Manifestations and Drivers of Secondary Trauma Among Service Providers Working With Syrian Refugees: a Mixed-Methods Study From Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explores the incidence, manifestations, and drivers of secondary traumatic stress among service providers who work with Syrian refugees in Istanbul, Turkey. A survey of 104 social workers and other providers working in 17 public and civil society agencies in Istanbul in 2018 demonstrates that 54.81% had Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale scores indicating mild to severe secondary traumatic stress. In total, 28 qualitative interviews showed manifestations and possible drivers of secondary traumatic stress including weak supervision, heavy caseloads, and insecure working conditions. The findings suggest supervision and peer-support should be strengthened to address secondary traumatic stress among providers serving refugees.