ItemArticle

Understanding the Experiences and Impact of Secondary Trauma and Moral Injury on the Professional Identity of Mental Health Professionals in India

Title
Understanding the Experiences and Impact of Secondary Trauma and Moral Injury on the Professional Identity of Mental Health Professionals in India
Creator
Appachu, Hema; Sati, Manya; Thakur, Deeksha; Joseph, Priyanka; Chopra, Tia; Guha Majumdar, Ilika
Description
Mental health professionals often encounter emotional and ethical challenges, including exposure to client trauma and complex ethical dilemmas. These situations can lead to secondary trauma and moral injury. This study examines the factors contributing to secondary trauma and moral injury and their impact on the professional identity of mental health professionals in India. A purposeful sample of 30 professionals, composed of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatric social workers, participated in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative thematic analysis identified four key themes: vulnerabilities and emotional exposure, ethical complexities and responsibilities, balancing integrity with emotional strain, and resilience and professional growth. These qualitative themes underscore the significant challenges faced by mental health professionals in India, including emotional strain, systemic barriers, and ethical conflicts, while highlighting strategies such as coping mechanisms, professional development, and support systems to address these issues. This study provides practical recommendations for interventions aimed at addressing secondary trauma and moral injury, fostering resilience, and strengthening the professionals identity and overall well-being of professionals within the Indian context. 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Source
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma;Volume;34;Issue;11;pp.1712-1730
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Routledge
Subject
Mental health professionals; moral Injury; professional identity; secondary trauma
Coverage
Appachu H., Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India; Sati M., Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India; Thakur D., Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India; Joseph P., Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India; Chopra T., Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India; Guha Majumdar I., Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, India
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISSN: 10926771; CODEN: JAMTF
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Article

Citation

Appachu, Hema; Sati, Manya; Thakur, Deeksha; Joseph, Priyanka; Chopra, Tia; Guha Majumdar, Ilika, “Understanding the Experiences and Impact of Secondary Trauma and Moral Injury on the Professional Identity of Mental Health Professionals in India,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 18, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/22704.

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