Introduction
The given study is performed in the realm of the impacts that COVID-19 has on people’s mental health. The professional experience of caretakers during the pandemic was examined by Whitt-Woosley et. al., through the lens of stress factors that lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout (BO). The findings of the study allow for identifying and helping those at risk of such conditions as STS and BO in times of crisis.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis for this study has two distinct aspects to it. First, the stress factors related to COVID results have a more considerable impact on those caregivers who have suffered from trauma before. The COVID stressors in this specific case include worries about family conditions, violence, changes in routine, and insecurities about employment and food supply. The second part of the hypothesis states that the levels of STS and BO among caretakers during the pandemic will be higher than before it.
Methods
The sample for the study was gathered through an electronic survey of 550 self-selected caretakers from across the US. The research included identifying pre-established levels of STS and BO through a pre-pandemic survey and comparing them to the new survey results. The recognition process for STS and BO in the participants was based on subscales devised from manuals on the identification and classification of mental disorders.
Findings
The findings show that such stressors as worrying about the pandemic, violence or conflict in the family, and food access problems had a significant impact on STS levels. For BO, important stress factors were violence or conflict in the family and worrying about the pandemic. In addition, it has been shown that the COVID-19 pandemic had a larger influence on upscaling of STS levels rather than BO levels.
Importance of the Study
This study points out and uses statistical evidence to prove that STS has a tendency to progress over time, especially during difficult times. The article develops further on previous findings regarding the profound effects of indirect trauma and STS on caretaking. It is essential to analyze the factors and mechanisms of caretakers’ mental health to prevent adverse outcomes for them and those under their care.
Limitations
The limitations of this study lie in the low level of COVD diagnosis reports across the sample. Given this fact, the results of the analysis are not as generalized as they could be. The sample itself lacked diversity, with 84% females and 73% foster parents. In addition, it is crucial to consider that the conclusions were drawn upon newly established measures of self-reporting, which could limit the participants’ inputs.
Future Research
Future research would benefit highly from a selected sample that would ensure a broader range of diversity within it. This approach would allow to identification of groups of higher risk and give caretakers an opportunity to focus on preventive measures. In addition to this, it would be highly valuable to independently examine how being diagnosed with COVID-19 impacts displays of secondary traumatic stress and burnout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the given study showcases the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Despite having certain limitations, the article succeeds in proving data on which COVID-related factors can significantly impact caretakers’ mental health. It supports previous researchers’ claims that the effects of STS are intensifying in severe circumstances. Lastly, it shows the aspects that helping professionals should pay attention to when administrating prevention and intervention measures.
Reference
Whitt-Woosley, A., Sprang, G., & Eslinger, J. (2022). The impact of COVID-19 and experiences of secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 14(3), 507–515. Web.