Personal Trauma History and Incidence of Vicarious Trauma among Caregivers in Hospices

Phelista Marura Musili, Ph.D; Ann Merecia Sirera, Ph.D; & Beatrice Mwathi Kathungu, P.hD., Kenyatta University

Abstract

Hospice caregivers are constantly exposed to agonizing traumatic stories from patients and their families and this can trigger similar reactions within the caregiver as those experienced by the clients. Caregivers with personal trauma history are thought to be more prone to vicarious trauma, especially when there are similarities between their trauma and that experienced by their clients. Studies that have looked into the relationships between personal trauma history of caregivers and the risk of developing vicarious trauma have yielded equivocal results. The current study aimed at determining the relationship between personal trauma history, and occurrence of vicarious trauma among hospice caregivers. The study utilized a correlational research design. Random stratified sampling was used to select a total of ten hospices. The study sample comprised 70 members of staff in the sampled hospices. Data was collected using structured self-report tools and was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data. Personal history of trauma had a significant positive relationship with the occurrence of vicarious trauma [r (70) =.275, p=.021]. The study recommended psychoeducation for caregivers to create awareness about the existence and possible risk factors of vicarious trauma. The study further recommended a need to develop appropriate assessment measures so that therapeutic interventions for caregivers with unresolved personal trauma can be advanced to help them.

Key words:  Vicarious trauma, personal trauma history, hospice, hospice caregiver, chronic conditions, life threatening conditions, traumatic experiences