Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Faculty/School

Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work

First Advisor

Martha Kuwee Kumsa

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

The current research study was conducted to establish evidence based research identifying Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) in Child and Youth Counsellors (CYCs). 161 CYCs participated in an online survey responding to both demographic questions and Bride’s (1999) Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS). Data analysis included both descriptive and inferential testing. Scoring of the STSS revealed that 66.1% of the CYCs sampled experienced some level of STS. The overall mean score is 33.65 suggesting that CYCs experienced a mild level of STS. An independent group t-test indicated that CYC’s who were exposed to children and youth’s traumatic experience 1 to 3 times a week did not differ in the level of STS from CYC’s who were exposed to children and Youth’s traumatic experience over 4 times a week. A correlation analysis revealed a weak but positive relationship between the years of experience in the field of Child and Youth Care and the level of Secondary Traumatic Stress. Recommendations include educators incorporating this study in the teaching of STS to future CYCs; prevention and self care practices in the symptoms of STS. In addition, future research is needed to verify the current findings.

Convocation Year

2009

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