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Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined secondary exposure to trauma and factors of professional quality of life among a national sample of 361 school counselors. Results indicate that major upheaval between parents, death of a close friend or family member, and emotional abuse are the most common traumatic events that school counselors are exposed to and that school counselors in Title I schools report significantly more exposure. Hierarchical multiple regression results revealed that secondary exposure to trauma predicted secondary traumatic stress. We discuss recommendations for research and school counseling practice.

Keywords

burnout childhood trauma professional quality of life secondary exposure to trauma school counselors

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Understanding the Secondary Exposure to Trauma and Professional Quality of Life of School Counselors

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