Predictors of Vicarious Trauma Beliefs Among Medical Staff

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate personality differences in vicarious trauma beliefs and to explore the interaction effects of personality and coping with these beliefs. A total of 131 medical staff completed measures of personality, coping, and trauma beliefs. The regression analysis emphasized the importance of personality traits (extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness) as predictors of dysfunctional beliefs. The results confirm the hypotheses that vicarious traumatization is determined by individual variables and that positive reinterpretation can buffer the impact of work environment when it comes to personal well-being.

KEYWORDS:

• coping
• personality
• vicarious trauma beliefs

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the European Social Fund in Romania, under the responsibility of the Managing Authority for the Sectoral Operational Programme for Human Resources Development 2007–2013 (Grant POSDRU/CPP 107/DMI 1.5/S/78342 awarded to Cornelia Mǎirean).

Notes

Note. TABS = Trauma Attachment and Belief Scale.

*p < .05; **p < .01.

Note. N = 111. TABS = Trauma Attachment and Belief Scale.

*p < .05; **p < .01.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cornelia Mǎirean

Cornelia Mǎirean is a PhD student at the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi (Romania). Much of her research is focused on psychological responses to trauma, stress reactions, coping, and posttraumatic growth.

Maria Nicoleta Turliuc

Maria Nicoleta Turliuc works as professor of couple and family psychology and deviant behavior at the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi (Romania). At present, she coordinates the Master's program in Couple and Family Therapy and she has 9 doctoral students under supervision. Her main research interests include family structures and processes, trauma and stress reactions, and social deviance. She is the author/editor of 7 books and author of more than 20 chapters in volumes.