ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 13 > Iss. 1 (2025)
Credentials Display
Julie Suto, BA; Ashley E. Lane, BS; Rocio Torres, BS; Emily K. Simpson, PhD, OTR/L
Abstract
Background: The primary purpose of this research was to explore how occupational therapists in acute care and inpatient rehabilitation settings describe their experiences of secondary traumatic stress (STS).
Methods: Researchers used a convergent parallel mixed methods design. Electronic surveys (n = 181) and qualitative data collection through interviews (n = 6) and a focus group (n = 3) were used. Qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis, and quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Both data sets were compared to identify patterns.
Results: Five main categories were identified: (a) supports to worker role, (b) barriers to worker role, (c) exposure to client trauma, (d) undefined role expectations, and (e) impact of client trauma. A few of the STS symptoms experienced by occupational therapists are as follows: 39.9% occupational therapists stated wanting to avoid working with certain clients, and 47.3% of occupational therapists identified having trouble concentrating. However, 45% of the respondents did not feel comfortable asking for help for their mental health from employers.
Conclusion: Findings indicated acute care and inpatient rehabilitation occupational therapists are exposed to many types of client trauma and developing STS. There is inadequate education and support for occupational therapists in this practice setting to manage the effects of STS.
Recommended Citation
Suto, J., Lane, A. E., Torres, R., & Simpson, E. K. (2025). How Acute Care and Inpatient Occupational Therapists Describe their Experiences with Secondary Traumatic Stress. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 13(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.2286
Comments
The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.