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Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization in rescue workers

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Abstract

Purpose

The aims of this study are (1) to investigate the incidence of the symptoms of Vicarious Traumatization in a group of rescue workers; (2) to explore some of the main predictors of Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization; and (3) to identify the individual and organizational factors able to improve the state of well-being of those working in the helping professions.

Methods

A total of 782 rescue workers, involved in critical operations of various kinds in constant contact with traumatized subjects, were investigated applying the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Scale (MBI-GS) and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS).

Results

The post-traumatic symptoms most frequently reported were those of an intrusive nature. A partial overlap emerged between the predictors of Vicarious Traumatization and Engagement: if compared with social and demographic characteristics and with the degree of commitment required by the work, organizational variables would appear to have the greatest influence over the two constructs. A supportive working environment in particular favors Engagement, reducing the probability of developing Burnout.

Conclusions

The results confirm the hypotheses that Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization are primarily determined by organizational variables, and, particularly, by the level of job support.

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Acknowledgments

The work submitted conforms to all applicable governmental regulations and discipline-appropriate professional ethical standards. The work was not approved by an institutional review committee established to protect the welfare of human or animal subjects because it was planned for program evaluation purposes. Participants provided informed consent.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Piergiorgio Argentero & Ilaria Setti

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  1. Piergiorgio Argentero
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  2. Ilaria Setti
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Correspondence to Piergiorgio Argentero.

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Argentero, P., Setti, I. Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization in rescue workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 84, 67–75 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0601-8

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