Which of the following is a potential sign of vicarious trauma in healthcare staff?

• A. Mood stability and consistent sleep
• B. Increased physical strength and no cognitive changes
• C. Intrusive memories or thoughts about trauma
• D. No distress at all

Answer: (C)

Vicarious trauma shows up when healthcare workers absorb others’ traumatic stories and begin to experience changes in how they think and feel. A key sign is intrusive memories or thoughts about the trauma. These are distressing, involuntary recollections that can pop into mind during or after work, disrupt concentration, and disturb sleep. This reflects how exposure to patients’ trauma can alter one’s internal processing and worldview.

Other options don’t fit because feeling emotionally stable with good sleep suggests no significant trauma-related impact, and increased physical strength with no cognitive changes isn’t consistent with the cognitive and emotional shifts seen in vicarious trauma. Feeling no distress at all also wouldn’t align with the distress and intrusive processing that characterize this response. If intrusive thoughts surface, it’s a signal to seek support and put coping strategies in place.