Abstract: Submission #22

Abstract Forensic social work in South Africa is challenging, increasing the likelihood of secondary traumatic stress among its practitioners. Proactive coping strategies are necessary to reduce the impact of secondary traumatic stress on forensic social workers. The aim of this study was to describe the association between the frequency of different coping styles and the frequency of secondary traumatic stress symptoms in forensic social workers. The study applied a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional descriptive design. An all-inclusive willing participation sampling method was used, focussing on all qualified Forensic Social Workers who graduated from a South African university. IMB SPSS Statistics version 28.0 was used to analyse the data. The study found that avoidant and emotion-focused coping styles were linked to an increase in secondary traumatic stress symptoms. Employers and clinicians can assist forensic social workers by providing strategies that promote problem-focused coping styles to reduce perceived secondary traumatic stress symptoms.