This study explores the lived experiences of doctoral-level trainees who are or have recently completed a training experience in an inpatient setting
The goal of this study is to understand the experiences of vicarious trauma among psychology doctoral trainees who have recently worked in an inpatient hospital or completed some training in an inpatient setting. For the purpose of this study, vicarious trauma is defined as the cognitive and psychological shift resulting from the pervasive and cumulative impact of working with survivors of trauma. Vicarious trauma includes changes to an individual’s identity, worldview, psychological needs, beliefs, and memory. This project also explores the effects of academic institutional structure, organizational support, and culture on experiences of vicarious trauma in psychology trainees.
If you have had a training experience in an inpatient setting, you may be eligible for this study on doctoral students’ experiences of vicarious trauma and healing. Please consider participating if you:
Are over 18 years old
Are enrolled in a clinical, counseling, or school psychology doctoral program (PhD or PsyD)
Have recently (less than 12 months) completed or are completing a practicum or internship in an inpatient psychiatric hospital setting
Please note, the inpatient experience does not have to be full-time inpatient training. This can include a training experience where you completed a rotation or track in an inpatient setting. For example, a qualifying practicum/internship experience could be (but not limited to) comprised of 3 rotations: 25% inpatient, 50% outpatient, 25% testing. Qualifying inpatient populations include: child, adolescent, adult, geriatric, forensic (juvenile, adult, geriatric), any combination of those or "other" not specified on this list
Believe you have been affected by the trauma of your patients or identify with the symptoms of vicarious trauma. For the purpose of this study, Vicarious trauma is defined as the cognitive and psychological shift resulting from the pervasive and cumulative impact of working with survivors of trauma. Vicarious trauma includes changes to an individual’s identity, worldview, psychological needs, beliefs, and memory
To determine if potential participants meet criteria for vicarious trauma, for the purpose of this study, a short screener will be administered to those who believe they identify with the above statement
*The study is completely confidential and voluntary. Participants can withdraw at any time.
This study is divided into two phases.
Phase 1: Those interested in participating can access the form to complete the informed consent, which contains a brief screener to assess for symptoms of vicarious trauma. Those who have filled out the entire questionnaire will be automatically entered into a raffle for one of two $25 gift cards.
Phase 2: Participants who meet the full criteria to participate in the study will be invited to Phase 2, which includes filling out a short demographic survey and a 60-90 minute virtual interview (option for audio only or audio and video). Additional thanks will be expressed with a $50 Amazon gift certificate upon completion of the interview.
If you are interested and believe you meet the participation criteria, please see the Informed Consent Page to learn more. For a quick overview of the research, please see the Flyer Page.
*Please check your spam folder in your email. If you qualify, I will try my best to reach out within 1 week of your submission.
If you have any questions about the study, you may contact Melissa Neitlich via email at mneitlich@antioch.edu. Please put “VT Doctoral Trainee” in the subject line of any email you send.