Exploring the Impact of Vicarious Trauma on Research Assistants

Research assistants who engage with emotionally charged subjects often face significant challenges, particularly when they lack robust support networks outside their research teams or have not yet developed effective coping mechanisms. This was highlighted in a recent study conducted by Rutgers University, which focused on research assistants involved in a multistate project examining firearm violence.

The study, published in the Journal of Gender-Based Violence, surveyed 27 research assistants who were tasked with analyzing and coding distressing accounts of gun violence. Findings revealed that a striking 26% of the participants reported having insufficient emotional support beyond their immediate research team.

In terms of coping strategies, the research identified that a majority of the participants (89%) found taking brief breaks beneficial, while 41% engaged in informal conversations with peers as a means of support. Interestingly, 83% and 91% of the research assistants indicated that these strategies were effective in helping them manage the emotional demands of their work.

Jennifer Paruk, a postdoctoral fellow at the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center within the Rutgers School of Public Health, emphasized the need for supportive environments. She noted that the work surrounding gun violence prevention often encompasses challenging topics such as suicide and intimate partner violence. Many research assistants are confronting these serious issues for the first time in their professional roles, often while being away from their home support systems, which can exacerbate their stress.

The study underscored the significance of incorporating emotional respite and nurturing a supportive and adaptable team culture. Taking breaks between discussions of extreme risk protection orders helped the research assistants to refresh and regain clarity. Additionally, informal peer interactions proved to be vital in creating a supportive network, allowing for shared coping mechanisms and emotional validation, thereby assisting them in processing the heavy emotional burdens associated with their research.

Paruk noted that teams can implement various strategies to support their research assistants effectively, regardless of their specific team dynamics or requirements. This research highlights the critical importance of addressing vicarious trauma in academic and research settings to foster healthier work environments.