Reduced Secondary Trauma Among Chinese Earthquake Rescuers: A Test of Correlates and Life Indicators

This study assessed the extent of secondary trauma among 102 Chinese soldiers who were rescuers in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake. Using measures of secondary trauma, rescuer burnout, rescuer satisfaction, rescuer resilience, and life satisfaction, it was found that the rescuers scored in the low-risk range for trauma and burnout, in the moderate-to-high range for rescuer satisfaction, and in the high range for resilience. Also found was a significant positive correlation between trauma and burnout and negative correlations between resilience and trauma and between resilience and burnout. Additionally, high levels of satisfaction with physical wellness, medical care, personal relationships, and community life were associated with higher levels of resilience and lower levels of trauma and burnout.