Vicarious trauma, coping and post-traumatic growth in professionals exposed to traumatogenic material

Tsirimokou, Alexandra Maria (2023). Vicarious trauma, coping and post-traumatic growth in professionals exposed to traumatogenic material. University of Birmingham. Foren.Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This thesis is submitted for the partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctorate in Forensic and Clinical Psychology. It consists of a systematic literature review, an empirical study and two press releases.

Chapter 1, the literature review, offers an overview of existing research contributing to the understanding of vicarious post-traumatic growth in professionals repeatedly exposed to traumatogenic material. Through this, important organisational and personal factors are identified, contributing to recommendations for practice to maximise this phenomenon.

Chapter 2, the empirical paper, is a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of Forensic Scene Investigators and Digital Forensic Analysts, whose jobs require thorough investigation of potentially traumatic material to analyse available evidence. Results produced important insights into the positive and negative impact of this work on participants, as well as their coping strategies and perceived organisational support. Based on this, recommendations for practice are made with the aim of safeguarding these groups of professionals in their important roles.

The press releases offer an accessible summary of the two parts of this doctoral research project for the purpose of public dissemination. The language used is aimed at the wider public and particularly those who may be interested in the findings, such as the participants and stakeholders.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Foren.Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Foren.Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):