Secondary Traumatic Stress in clinical psychologists from the College of Psychologists of Guatemala who performed cybertherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The confinement derived from the COVID-19 pandemic is a topic that must be investigated due to its effect on society. The emotional and psychological impact experienced by professionals places them in a situation of vulnerability and risk of developing trauma in the future. Objective: To know, in a sample of clinical psychologists from the College of Psychologists of Guatemala who performed cybertherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the proportion who suffered secondary traumatic stress as a consequence. The subscale (avoidance, excitement or intrusion symptoms) was also determined. 65 subjects were studied and evaluated according to Bride's Secondary Stress Scale. Results: Just over half of the subjects evaluated suffered little or no secondary traumatic stress, 32 for 52%; in 24% it was mild; moderate in 8% and in 16% it was high or severe (10 subjects, 5 at each level). The symptoms they presented regarding the stress subscale at each level were also evaluated. It was concluded that the majority of psychologists did not present traumatic stress secondary to their work, or it was mild. In order of frequency, the symptoms were avoidance, followed by excitement and, less frequently, intrusion. Conclusions: The clinical psychologists from the College of Psychologists of Guatemala who performed cybertherapy in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic adequately manage their own mental health, thereby avoiding secondary traumatic stress.