The Management of Secondary Trauma Experiences for Resident Assistants in Housing and Residential Life

Abstract

College and University Resident Assistants (RAs) have an immense responsibility to support and manage the experiences of residents in housing and residential communities. This often includes trauma or crisis-related experiences of residents. Secondary traumatic stress is known as the stress resulting from helping a person or wanting to help a traumatized person. Secondary trauma can lead to PTSD related symptoms such as anxiety, depression, withdrawal, hypervigilance, avoidance, and loss of interest in activities. Most RAs have the responsibility to address crisis and emergency situations as a requirement of their position. The relationship between trauma and student social identity tells us that trauma experiences and student social identity can impact each other and their scope of the world. The purpose of this study was to investigate a relationship between social identity and secondary trauma experiences of RAs in their position. Findings concluded that RAs who support residents in trauma-related experiences have adopted strategies that can aid in this management. Some RAs do experience secondary trauma as a result of this position but most commonly when RAs have a shared trauma experience with residents, and this can impact their perceptions of the RA role and overall success in the position. Further, social identity may play a role in the trauma management of RAs but was not statistically supported. RAs that identity as women/female/femme have higher scores related to secondary trauma. RAs who hold marginalized social identities had a more difficult time managing secondary trauma and had higher scores of secondary trauma. Recommendations for additional training, intentional supervision, and partnership with counseling and psych services can support RAs who are managing trauma of their residents or secondary trauma as a result of their vocation.