EXPLORING VICARIOUS RESILIENCE AMONG MENTAL HEALTH NURSES: A CASE STUDY OF ABEOKUTA PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Vicarious resilience is a vital concept in the realm of mental health nursing. It refers to the process through which individuals develop personal growth and resilience by observing the strength and recovery of clients facing significant adversities (Bui, McInnes, Ennis, & Foster, 2023). This concept emphasizes the positive impact of supporting people who are dealing with serious life challenges, such as chronic illnesses like cancer. Such interactions not only benefit the patients but also enhance the emotional well-being and personal development of the caregivers involved (Ferns et al., 2023). The theory of vicarious resilience suggests that caregivers and mental health professionals can undergo positive psychological transformation when they actively support trauma survivors in their journey toward healing and resilience (Nuttman, 2015). Over time, this theory has gained increasing recognition within the fields of psychology, social work, and mental health, particularly due to its relevance in trauma-related research. When individuals witness others overcome significant challenges, they can experience uplifting emotional and psychological effects (Nuttman, 2015). This idea originated from the broader understanding that constant exposure to emotionally distressing narratives can lead to what is known as vicarious traumatization (VT). However, rather than solely focusing on the negative consequences, vicarious resilience highlights how such exposure can shift caregivers’ perspectives and enhance their ability to cope with challenges. For mental health nurses, developing resilience is crucial in managing the intense demands of their profession, with tenacity playing a central role in that resilience. Studies in trauma care and mental health services have consistently demonstrated the benefits of vicarious resilience. Positive emotional responses can emerge when individuals observe the determination and strength of those who have successfully navigated hardship. While VT, secondary traumatic stress (STS), empathic stress, and compassion fatigue are terms often associated with the adverse effects of trauma exposure, vicarious resilience shifts the focus to the positive psychological adaptations that caregivers may experience (Nuttman, 2015). VT particularly describes the emotional impact and cognitive shifts that occur when a person empathizes deeply with another’s traumatic experiences (McNeillie, 2021). People who listen to traumatic stories, especially from loved ones or patients, may face emotional discomfort and related symptoms. In healthcare, this could manifest as compassion fatigue or empathic stress—conditions that leave professionals physically and mentally drained due to the emotional demands of their work (Mottaghi, Poursheikhali, & Shameli, 2020). Vicarious resilience, however, centers more on the potential for growth and positive transformation rather than focusing solely on emotional damage. The concept has been explored across various disciplines such as trauma therapy, psychotherapy, mental health nursing, and social work (Mottaghi, Poursheikhali, & Shameli, 2020). Its significance lies in its potential to not only improve healthcare workers’ quality of life but also reduce burnout, thereby supporting their ability to provide high-quality patient care. In mental health settings, the idea of vicarious resilience becomes especially relevant as nurses frequently engage with individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological issues—trauma, violence, addiction, depression, and anxiety (Mottaghi, Poursheikhali, & Shameli, 2020). While these experiences can contribute to emotional fatigue, many mental health nurses have reported positive outcomes from working with such patients. As such, it becomes imperative to define and explore the role of vicarious resilience in helping nurses focus on these beneficial experiences. Further research is needed to understand how this concept is applied across various fields and how best to utilize it in improving care delivery. Incorporating vicarious resilience into nursing practice and education could significantly enhance both. Nurses who engage empathetically with trauma patients may not only promote healing in their patients but also experience growth and increased inner strength themselves (Méndez et al., 2021). By witnessing their patients' determination, healthcare workers can experience empowerment and build their own resilience, even in the face of emotional strain (Méndez et al., 2021). Including vicarious resilience in nursing education could encourage self-care and emotional intelligence among students, helping them manage secondary trauma and maintain long-term effectiveness. Equipping nursing graduates with these skills is crucial in preparing them for the complex realities of today’s healthcare environment. It’s important to note that nurses may face different challenges than social workers or psychotherapists, which means that strategies for promoting vicarious resilience may need to be adapted for various work environments. Therefore, cross-disciplinary research is necessary to further explore and refine approaches to this phenomenon. Evidence from such research can inform the development of guidelines that improve resilience and overall well-being for professionals working in high-stress healthcare settings. Mental health nurses, in particular, often derive personal satisfaction and growth through their empathetic interactions with patients. This underscores the importance of fostering resilience in these professionals through both personal self-regulation and organizational support (Méndez et al., 2021). Promoting vicarious resilience may offer a unique lens through which mental health nurses can derive strength and purpose from their emotionally challenging roles, ultimately enhancing their job satisfaction and overall quality of life. As such, this study will focus on exploring the concept of vicarious resilience within mental health nursing, specifically through a case study of Abeokuta Psychiatric Hospital. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Due to their constant engagement with patients dealing with trauma and emotional pain, mental health nurses are at significant risk of experiencing burnout, compassion fatigue, and other stress-related conditions. However, recent findings suggest that these professionals may also experience vicarious resilience—a process where they develop personal strength and emotional growth by witnessing their patients' resilience and healing (Hernández et al., 2020). Despite the potential benefits of vicarious resilience, there is limited empirical research examining its effects on the overall effectiveness, job satisfaction, and well-being of mental health nurses. Given their direct involvement in patient care, these nurses may be uniquely positioned to develop emotional resilience, which could help buffer the effects of secondary trauma (Engstrom et al., 2018). Although the literature on burnout and vicarious trauma in healthcare professionals is extensive, little is understood about how vicarious resilience might mitigate these challenges, especially within the specific context of mental health nursing (Hunter, 2022). This lack of knowledge presents a challenge for healthcare systems aiming to support the mental and emotional health of their nursing staff. Therefore, this study aims to explore the phenomenon of vicarious resilience within mental health nursing using Abeokuta Psychiatric Hospital as a case study. 1.3 Objective of the Study The primary aim of this research is to investigate vicarious resilience in mental health nursing using Psychiatric Hospital Abeokuta as a case study. The specific objectives include: i. To examine the prevalence of vicarious resilience among mental health nurses at Abeokuta Psychiatric Hospital. ii. To identify the factors that contribute to the development of vicarious resilience in mental health nurses. iii. To evaluate how vicarious resilience influences job satisfaction among mental health nurses at the hospital. iv. To analyze the coping strategies mental health nurses use to cultivate vicarious resilience. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. What is the prevalence of vicarious resilience among mental health nurses in Abeokuta Psychiatric Hospital? ii. What are the contributing factors to the development of vicarious resilience in mental health nurses? iii. How does vicarious resilience affect the job satisfaction of mental health nurses at Yaba Psychiatric Hospital? iv. What coping strategies do mental health nurses employ to build and sustain vicarious resilience? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study's findings will provide valuable insights that can shape healthcare policy and guide the development of training programs aimed at building resilience among nursing professionals. By identifying the factors that enhance vicarious resilience—such as supportive work environments, effective team dynamics, and individual coping strategies—this research can inform evidence-based recommendations for improving staff well-being. Such recommendations can help create more supportive workplaces that prioritize mental health, reduce staff turnover, and ultimately enhance patient care. Additionally, this study will contribute to the academic body of knowledge, enriching the literature on vicarious resilience and serving as a useful resource for future researchers. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research is centered on the concept of vicarious resilience in mental health nursing, with a focus on Yaba Psychiatric Hospital as the case study. Empirically, the study will examine how widespread vicarious resilience is among mental health nurses at the hospital, the factors that foster its development, its impact on job satisfaction, and the strategies nurses use to maintain it. Geographically, the study will be limited to Abeokuta Psychiatric Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. 1.7 Limitation of the Study As with any research endeavor, this study faced a few limitations. Time constraints posed a challenge as the researcher had to balance academic responsibilities, including lectures and assignments, alongside data collection and analysis. Financial limitations also impacted the study, especially in areas like printing, typesetting, and gathering materials for literature review. Availability of materials presented another hurdle, as relevant literature on vicarious resilience in the Nigerian context was somewhat scarce, limiting the depth of the literature review. 1.8 Definition of Terms Vicarious Resilience: A process through which mental health practitioners experience emotional growth and increased resilience by witnessing the strength and recovery of patients who have endured trauma. Mental Health Nursing: A nursing specialty focused on the care and treatment of individuals dealing with mental health disorders, encompassing diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and patient support. Burnout: A condition characterized by emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion due to prolonged stress and overwork, often resulting in decreased performance and detachment. Compassion Fatigue: A form of secondary traumatic stress that arises from the emotional strain of caring for patients who have experienced trauma, leading to feelings of exhaustion and decreased empathy.