Reducing Secondary Distress in Violence Researchers: a Randomised Trial of the Effectiveness of Group Debriefings.
Emotional Distress
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Emotional Distress focused on measuring secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, secondary distress
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Eligible participants were all 59 Ugandan researchers who had been employed by the GSS.
Exclusion Criteria:
- none
Sites / Locations
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Placebo Comparator
Debrief Group
Control Group
The debrief group participated in 3 consecutive face-to-face group debriefing sessions lasting 1.5-2 hrs each. Each session started with a fun ice-breaker to create a relaxed atmosphere and group cohesion. Session 1 focused on encouraging group participation, discussing primary trauma encountered and emotional reactions to these stories. Session 2 connected current experiences with the group members' own trauma histories and life experiences. The last session focussed on societal and community responses to violence, and employing personal agency to find constructive ways to address violence in communities.
The control group was assigned to a leisure activity (film showing), for every session of debriefing undergone by the intervention group. The films were chosen for their light-hearted uplifting content and presented as a fun and relaxing activity.