“You Are My Sunshine:” The Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder/Secondary Traumatic Stress in PK-12 Educators

Abstract

This systematic literature review explores Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)/Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) in PK-12 teachers in the United States, a total of eight peer-reviewed empirical articles were synthesized to address the following research questions: what current measurements are used to assess PTSD/STS in PK-12 teachers, what are common PTSD/STS symptoms in educators, and what traumatic events contribute to the development of these trauma-based symptoms. Themes found across studies were concerns of current STS measurements used in teachers, minimal discussion of traumatic events that contribute to PTSD/STS symptoms, and limited identification of PTSD/STS symptoms described by teachers. Consequently, results show a significant need for scholarship to reflect themes identified to adequately address traumatic events and PTSD/STS symptoms in teachers. Additionally, the need for accurate measurements to identify STS levels in PK-12 teachers is significant for educators. Future scholarship needs to reflect these findings to implement comprehensive supports in the PK-12 workplace.