Development of the coping strategies inventory for trauma counselors

There is increasing awareness about the negative consequences of counseling traumatized people. Emanating from qualitative research and clinical reflections, suggestions are frequently made regarding self-care strategies to reduce the impact. However, no tools exist for measuring these strategies to determine the effectiveness of engaging in self-care behaviors. This study evaluates the Coping Strategies Inventory which measures beliefs and behaviors regarding coping in trauma counselors. Items were derived from the practice literature and a focus group with experienced therapists. A factor analysis was conducted with a sample of 259 trauma therapists and 71 hospital workers. Results demonstrated a consistent factor structure with adequate internal reliability. The CSI may thus be useful in research on vicarious trauma and for self-appraisal of counselors.