Preventing and Responding to Secondary Trauma in Researchers addressing Sensitive issues (PRESTARSS)

Conducting research on sensitive issues is crucial for understanding and addressing societal problems but poses risks for researchers. Those working in mental health, trauma, violence, and abuse are exposed to traumatic stories, increasing the risk of secondary trauma. Despite the emphasis on participant safety, researcher distress prevention is often overlooked. This issue is especially concerning for early career and lived-experience researchers who need proper support to contribute effectively to knowledge generation.

This study aimed to investigate Australian sensitive-topic researchers‚’ experiences of secondary stress and vicarious trauma stemming from their work and the impact the trauma has on their health and wellbeing, and their recommendations for mitigating and responding to trauma in the Australian research setting.

This project began with 42 interviews of Australian researchers engaged in sensitive and traumatic research in 2023. We worked with Australian researchers to co-design resources aimed at enhancing support for researchers working on sensitive issues. During 2024, the PRESTARSS study undertook 3 phases of co-design workshops with researchers from across Australia, developing guidelines for preventing and responding to secondary trauma in research, with the aim of creating a safer environment for Australian researchers. Nine resources were co-designed during the PRESTARSS project (see links below).

The findings from the PRESTARSSS project shaped the formulation of supportive resources and the development of the first Australian peer network for Australian sensitive-topic researchers: The AASERT Network.

Through the AASERT Network information, experiences, and resources are shared with the aim to enhance support for researchers working on sensitive topics.

• The Alive National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation
• The Melbourne Social Equity Institute
• Safer Families Centre for Research Excellence
• The University of Melbourne
• University of New South Wales

• The AASERT Network
• Lost in Translation – The Alive National Centre – Launch of PRESTARSS and the AASERT Network
• Resource: Key conversation starters
• Resource: Protecting your research team
• Resource: Funding bodies
• Resource: Individual researchers
• Resource: Supervisors and managers – supporting your researchers
• Resource: Supervisors and managers mitigating risk
• Resource: School and faculties
• Resource: Assessment of risk
• Resource: Are you a PhD student?
• Resource: Researcher distress protocol

• National HREC Conference 2024 – Practical strategies for safeguarding researchers engaged in sensitive research.