The relationship between Secondary Psychological Trauma resulting from the Aggression on the Gaza Strip and Self-Efficacy among students at the University of Jordan

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the level of secondary trauma and self-efficacy, examine the relationship between them, and reveal differences in the level of secondary trauma and self-efficacy attributed to the gender variable in a sample of The University of Jordan students. 

Methodology: The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were administered to a sample of The University of Jordan students, totaling 303 participants (86 male and 217 female). To address the study questions, several statistical analyses were conducted, including Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient, means, standard deviation, percentages, and an independent samples t-test. 

Results: The average level of secondary psychological trauma was 52.8, indicating a high degree, while the average self-efficacy level was 29.1, suggesting a moderate level. The Pearson correlation coefficient between secondary trauma and self-efficacy was -0.448**, and the t-test indicated no differences in the levels of secondary trauma and self-efficacy attributed to the gender variable among The University of Jordan students. 

Conclusion: The study indicates that the study sample was affected by the bloody events in the Gaza Strip, impacting their self-efficacy to a moderate degree. The greater the impact of the secondary shock, the lower the self-efficacy. No differences were observed between males and females in the levels of secondary trauma and self-efficacy due to the similarity of the circumstances and conditions there.