Examination of Secondary Trauma and Cognitive Flexibility Levels of Psychologists Working with Disadvantaged Groups in Terms of Sociodemographic Variables

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine the levels of secondary traumatic stress and cognitive flexibility among psychologists working with disadvantaged groups, and to investigate whether these variables differ based on various demographic and professional characteristics. Method: The study was conducted using a quantitative design and included 165 psychologists working with disadvantaged populations. Data were collected through the “Sociodemographic Information Form,” the “Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale,” and the “Cognitive Flexibility Inventory.” The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Findings indicated that gender, age, education level, income level, type of institution, history of psychiatric disorders, willingness to practice the profession, and the type of disadvantaged group served did not yield significant differences in secondary traumatic stress or cognitive flexibility scores. However, significant differences in secondary traumatic stress levels were observed based on years of professional experience and personal history of traumatic experiences. Cognitive flexibility levels showed significant variation only in relation to professional experience. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of addressing secondary traumatic stress and cognitive flexibility to support the well-being and effectiveness of psychologists working with disadvantaged groups. The study suggests a need for further applied research and supportive programs to promote mental resilience in this professional group.

Keywords

• Cognitive Flexibility
• Disadvantaged Groups
• Secondary Trauma
• Psychologist

Dezavantajlı Gruplarla Çalışan Psikologların İkincil Travma ve Bilişsel Esneklik Düzeylerinin Sosyodemografik Değişkenler Açısından İncelenmesi

Abstract

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı, dezavantajlı gruplarla çalışan psikologların ikincil travmatik stres ve bilişsel esneklik düzeylerini incelemek ve bu değişkenlerin çeşitli demografik ve mesleki özelliklere göre farklılık gösterip göstermediğini değerlendirmektir. Yöntem: Nicel desenle yürütülen araştırmaya, dezavantajlı gruplarla çalışan toplam 165 psikolog katılmıştır. Veri toplamak amacıyla “Sosyodemografik Bilgi Formu”, “İkincil Travmatik Stres Ölçeği” ve “Bilişsel Esneklik Envanteri” kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler çeşitli istatistiksel analiz yöntemleriyle değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Araştırma sonucunda, cinsiyet, yaş, eğitim durumu, gelir düzeyi, çalışılan kurum türü, psikiyatrik rahatsızlık öyküsü, mesleği isteyerek yapma ve çalışılan dezavantajlı grup türü gibi değişkenlerin ikincil travmatik stres ve bilişsel esneklik puanlarında anlamlı bir fark yaratmadığı bulunmuştur. Öte yandan, görev süresi ve bireysel travmatik yaşantı öyküsü, ikincil travmatik stres düzeylerinde anlamlı farklılık göstermiştir. Bilişsel esneklik düzeyleri ise yalnızca görev süresine göre anlamlı farklılık göstermiştir. Sonuç: Elde edilen bulgular, dezavantajlı gruplarla çalışan psikologların mesleki dayanıklılığı açısından ikincil travmatik stres ve bilişsel esnekliğin dikkate alınması gerektiğine işaret etmektedir. Bu çerçevede, psikologların iyi oluşlarının desteklenmesi ve etkin müdahale sunabilmeleri adına daha fazla uygulamalı çalışma ve destekleyici programlara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır.

Keywords

• Bilişsel Esneklik
• Dezavantajlı Gruplar
• İkincil Travma
• Psikolog

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