Breaking The Silence: An Arts-Based Phenomenological Exploration Of Secondary Traumatic Stress In U.S. Student Affairs Professionals

Historically, college student affairs personnel have played a crucial role in student development, support, and success. Today, these professionals have found themselves increasingly acting in the capacity of first responders for various student crises. Literature in other helping professions such as social work, K-12 education, and counseling all indicate that repeated or extreme exposure to traumatic events, or details of traumatic events, can have a significant negative impact on the well-being of professional helpers. Currently, literature centered on individuals working in college student affairs does not directly address the issue of secondary traumatic stress. It is the aim of this study to explore the impact of trauma- support work on student affairs professionals by exploring this phenomenon through the lived experiences of professionals who have supported students who have experienced trauma.