Vicarious Trauma via the Observation of Atrocities: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

• In Event: Workplace Violence, Exposure to Violent Material, and Vicarious Trauma in Security Research

Abstract

Members of the criminal justice workforce are often systematically exposed to crimes that challenge deeply held values. Despite the immense challenge of working in such domains, we have little understanding of the psychological mechanisms that govern traumatic reactions to this type of work. Here, we present the result of a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) which sought to review research across multiple fields of work in which individuals are exposed to traumatic imagery, or events. This REA found that there is a small body of extant research focused on a few key domains (namely digital forensic and Internet child sex abuse prevention) that has explored the significant psychological trauma caused by exposure to extreme content. This body of literature emphasizes the importance of gaining clarity on the nature of trauma that is caused and the role of different forms of media on traumatic outcomes (e.g., observing Reddit forums vs., watching beheading videos). However, this review also identifies a series of factors that can impact the degree of harm caused by exposure to this content. These factors include the nature of the content, individual traits, and the individual’s social and work environment.

Authors

• Neil Shortland, University of Massachusetts Lowell

• Matt Crayne, University at Albany, SUNY