title: Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization in rescue workers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study are (1) to investigate the incidence of the symptoms of Vicarious Traumatization in a group of rescue workers; (2) to explore some of the main predictors of Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization; and (3) to identify the individual and organizational factors able to improve the state of well-being of those working in the helping professions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 782 rescue workers, involved in critical operations of various kinds in constant contact with traumatized subjects, were investigated applying the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Scale (MBI-GS) and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The post-traumatic symptoms most frequently reported were those of an intrusive nature. A partial overlap emerged between the predictors of Vicarious Traumatization and Engagement: if compared with social and demographic characteristics and with the degree of commitment required by the work, organizational variables would appear to have the greatest influence over the two constructs. A supportive working environment in particular favors Engagement, reducing the probability of developing Burnout.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results confirm the hypotheses that Engagement and Vicarious Traumatization are primarily determined by organizational variables, and, particularly, by the level of job support.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. piergiorgio.argentero@unipv.it
authors.forename: Piergiorgio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Argentero
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Setti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018635:Rescue Work; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000523:psychology*