Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses

Date of Award

5-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Scott Barrett

Second Advisor

Kelly Yordy

Third Advisor

C. Skip Trudeau

Abstract

Many college student leaders get the opportunity to learn the stories of those they serve. Similar to people in other helping roles, a possible impact of this work is experiencing a negative emotional response developed in response to the trauma someone in close proximity is experiencing, or vicarious trauma. This research project attempted to understand the impact of vicarious trauma on college student leader mental health. Using a phenomenological approach, the study explored the experiences of nine past student leaders at a small, private, liberal arts college in the Midwest. Results indicate that vicarious trauma, inherently, has a negative impact on college student leader mental health. These results show how compounding experiences lead to a decline in mental health, how consuming thoughts impact many areas of life, and there is a potential for confidentiality to enhance feelings of isolation. The study also showed that despite the negative impacts of vicarious trauma, the experience of helping others was found to be meaningful, and positive relationships could still come from them. Higher education leaders can use this research to better support and understand the student leader’s experience as well as the experiences of students as a whole.

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