Date on Capstone

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

D.S.W.

Cooperating University

University of Louisville

Degree Program

Social Work, D.S.W.

Committee Chair

BrintzenhofeSzoc, Karlynn

Committee Member

Rhema, Susan Heffner

Committee Member

Archuleta, Adrian

Committee Member

Golder, Seana

Committee Member

Winters, Andrew

Author's Keywords

secondary traumatic stress; U.S. Army active-duty social workers; functional impairment; organizational/occupational stressors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) and its relationship with functional impairment among U.S. Army active-duty social workers. These social workers practice in a uniquely demanding environment, balancing constant exposure to service members’ and families’ trauma narratives as well as organizational mandates. A mixed-method, exploratory, cross-sectional design was used, with data collected via an online survey. Resulting in a sample of fifteen, recruited via a Facebook group for Army Social Workers. Analysis focused on patterns and associations rather than causal conclusions, due to the sample size and design, and should be interpreted cautiously. Patterns indicated that higher STS may be related to greater functional impairment, with higher STS observed among women, never-deployed respondents, and those in combined clinical-administrative roles. Qualitative responses highlighted organizational contributors and the influence of STS on clinical practice. Results highlight the need for trauma-informed practices at individual and organizational levels.

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