Examining the Relationship between Selected Demographics and Levels of Vicarious Trauma among Teachers Working In Educational Assessment and Resource Centres in Kenya
Loading...
Date
2023
Authors
Sirera, Merecia
Oteyo, John
Githae, Eunice
Njeri, Eunice
Chege, Lydia
Malasi, Flora
Mutheu, Jane
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Centre for Democracy, Research and Development (CEDRED
Abstract
In the past two decades, there has been a rapid growth in research evidence showing that
teachers working in educational assessment and resource centres (EARCs) are at risk of
vicarious trauma (VT). Whilst the causes VT may be diverse, understanding personal
demographics as indicators of potential vulnerability can help to support EARCs avoid
exposure to extreme VT. However, studies that examine the association between individual
demographic characteristics and traumatic symptoms are scarce, particularly in sub-Saharan
African countries. This article reports part of the results of a cross-sectional survey-based
PhD study on the emotional effects of vicarious trauma on professional development among
teachers in educational assessment and resource centres in Kenya. The results presented in
this document are based on a random sample (n = 107) of special needs teachers from
Kenyan EARC centres. The study found that approximately 27.1% (at least 2 in every 10) of
teachers working in EARCs exhibit traumatic symptoms, risk factors for VT. The study also
found that there is no single demographic structure that uniquely characterises the group of
teachers at risk for VT; however, teachers who had prior training in functional assessment
(FA) were significantly less vulnerable to VT. The study also found that early career teachers
with less than 10 years of professional experience exhibited significantly higher levels of VT
compared to more experienced teachers. Other personal demographics that tend to influence
levels of VT to a mild extent include highest level of academic training and gender where
those with bachelor’s degree and male teachers tend to exhibit slightly higher levels of VT. It
should be noted that age was not a significant factor in almost all cases. The study
recommends the development of VT management skills in induction programmes for newly
recruited EARC teachers. The study recommends establishment of EARC support system and
mechanisms domiciled at the grassroot level.
Description
Article
Keywords
Kenya, vicarious trauma, special needs, disabilities, functional assessment
Citation
Wambua, S., Sirera, M., Oteyo, J., Githae, E., Njeri, E., Chege, L., ... & Mutheu, J. (2023). Examining the Relationship Between Selected Demographics and Levels of Vicarious Trauma among teachers working in Educational Assessment and Resource Centres in Kenya. Journal of African Interdisciplinary Studies, 7(2), 70-80.