Secondary posttraumatic growth among therapists working with addicted people after traumatic events – the role of empathy and secondary self-efficacy

Aim of the study Professionals working with people after traumatic events may experience positive posttraumatic changes, occurring in the form of secondary posttraumatic growth (SPTG). The occurrence of SPTG may be determined by empathy and secondary self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to establish the associations between empathy, secondary self-efficacy and SPTG, including the mediating role of secondary self-efficacy in the relationship between empathy and SPTG. Subject or material and methods The study group comprised 130 therapists working with clients with addiction: substance abusers and behavioral addicts. In total, the results of 115 respondents were analyzed: age 22 to 69 years (M=40.79, SD=10.57), 61.7% were women. The Secondary Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (SPTGI), the Empathic Sensitivity Scale (EES) and the Secondary Trauma Self-efficacy (STSE) Scale were used. Results A high level of SPTG was presented by 34% of respondents; 45% reported an average level and 21% a low level. SPTG was associated with two of three aspects of empathy (empathic concern and perspective taking) and secondary self-efficacy. Secondary self-efficacy increases the positive effect of empathy on SPTG. Discussion Among therapists working with addicted clients who have experienced traumatic events, higher empathic engagement and secondary self-efficacy beliefs seem to favor the occurrence of secondary positive posttraumatic changes Conclusions A greater ability to notice positive post-traumatic changes may increase the effectiveness of the therapist’s work.