Reduced Secondary Trauma Among Chinese Earthquake Rescuers: A Test of Correlates and Life Indicators

Abstract

This study assessed the extent of secondary trauma among 102 Chinese soldiers who were rescuers in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Using measures of secondary trauma, rescuer burnout, rescuer satisfaction, rescuer resilience, and life satisfaction, it was found that the rescuers scored in the low-risk range for trauma and burnout, in the moderate-to-high range for rescuer satisfaction, and in the high range for resilience. Also found was a significant positive correlation between trauma and burnout and negative correlations between resilience and trauma and between resilience and burnout. Additionally, high levels of satisfaction with physical wellness, medical care, personal relationships, and community life were associated with higher levels of resilience and lower levels of trauma and burnout.

Notes

Note. One-tailed tests were used for the main variables; two-tailed tests were used for the eight life overview indicator questions. The values in parentheses are Cronbach alpha reliabilities for the variable measures.

‡p < .08; †p < .06; *p < .05; **p < .01; ***p < .005; ****p < .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kay Chang

Kay Chang (Kay Sio-Ngã Chang, Psy.D., California School of Professional Psychology, Alameda) is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Macau. She actively applies the scientist-practitioner approach in both her academic and clinical work. She is a U.S.-licensed psychologist who has a diverse experience base by having practiced in the United States, China, Hong Kong, and Macau. She also volunteers for going consultations in abuse cases and disaster trauma work. Her research interests include the applied aspects of positive psychology, medical anthropology, environmental psychology, supervision issues, gambling and addictive behaviors, creativity factors, and resilient capacities.

Robert J. Taormina

Robert J. Taormina (Ph.D., University of California) is currently an invited Full Professor and Chair of the University Panel on Research Ethics at the University of Macau. He has also worked at the University of California, Rutgers University, and universities in Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and lectures worldwide. His research interests include organizational socialization, leadership, cross-cultural comparisons, and other topics in applied social psychology and organizational behavior. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Distinguished Leadership in Education from the International Institute for Advanced Studies (in Europe), and twice received the Best Reviewer Award from the International Management Division of the Academy of Management.