This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of a Vicarious Post-Traumatic Growth (VPTG) Intervention among nurses working in emergency units. Emergency nurses are frequently exposed to traumatic events through patient care, which may contribute to vicarious trauma and psychological distress. The intervention is designed to facilitate positive psychological growth, resilience, adaptive coping, and psychological well-being while reducing the adverse impact of indirect trauma exposure. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up periods to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in promoting vicarious post-traumatic growth and reducing vicarious trauma among emergency nurses.
Registered nurses currently employed in emergency departments.
Minimum six months of emergency department work experience.
Able to read and understand English or Urdu.
Willing to provide informed consent.
Current diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder requiring intensive treatment.
Current participation in trauma-focused psychotherapy.
Cognitive impairment affecting study participation.
Planned transfer from emergency unit during study period.
Parallel
Psychoeducational Vicarious Post-Traumatic Growth Intervention
BehavioralA structured psychoeducational and behavioral intervention designed to promote vicarious post-traumatic growth and reduce vicarious trauma among emergency nurses. The intervention incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, mindfulness practices, resilience-building exercises, psychoeducation regarding vicarious trauma, stress management strategies, reflective activities, and peer-support components. The program is delivered in scheduled sessions over the intervention period and aims to enhance coping skills, psychological well-being, professional functioning, and post-traumatic growth.
Change in Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth Score
This outcome measures change in vicarious posttraumatic growth among emergency unit nurses exposed to the intervention. Vicarious posttraumatic growth will be assessed using the Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (VPTGI; Deaton, 2020), a self-report questionnaire. The total score will be calculated by summing item responses. Higher scores indicate greater vicarious posttraumatic growth (better psychological outcome).
Change in Vicarious Trauma Score
This outcome measures vicarious trauma symptoms among emergency nurses. The Vicarious Trauma Scale (VTS; Vrklevski \& Franklin, 2008) will be used. The total score is obtained by summing item responses. Higher scores indicate greater vicarious trauma (worse psychological outcome).
Change in Resilience Score
Resilience will be assessed using the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), which measures the ability to recover from stress. Scores are calculated as the mean of all items. Higher scores indicate greater resilience (better outcome).
Change in Coping Strategies
Coping strategies will be assessed using the CSI-SF, measuring both adaptive and maladaptive coping styles. Scores will be reported as subscale and total scores. Higher adaptive coping scores indicate better coping outcomes.
Change in Psychological Well-being
Psychological well-being will be assessed using the 18-item Psychological Well-being Scale. Total scores will be computed by summing item responses. Higher scores indicate better psychological well-being.
Personality Traits
Personality traits (Big Five dimensions) will be assessed using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Scores will be calculated for each trait dimension. This measure will be used as a baseline covariate and moderator, not as an intervention outcome.
Intervention Adherence
Measured as the percentage of attended intervention sessions (CBT, mindfulness, psychoeducation, peer support). Reported as percentage (%) of completed sessions per participant.
Intervention Fidelity
Assessed using a structured fidelity checklist completed by supervisors to ensure protocol adherence. Reported as percentage of protocol components delivered correctly.
Attrition Rate
Number and percentage of participants who drop out of the study at each assessment point.
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