It has been argued that secondary traumatic stress (STS) may adversely affect the retention of counselors and other helping professionals. However, there has been little research regarding the relationship between STS and occupational commitment. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between STS and job satisfaction and turnover intention in a sample of 216 substance abuse counselors. Results found STS to significantly predict both job satisfaction and occupational commitment, although job satisfaction fully mediated the influence of STS on occupational commitment. Suggestions for reducing STS and increasing job satisfaction are discussed.
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