Counseling Psychology

Title

Helper secrets: Invisible stressors in hospice work

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1985

Publisher

SAGE

Abstract

The demanding and emotionally complicated nature of hospice and oncology work can lead to self-doubts and other embarrassing and distressing thoughts and feelings about oneself as a helper. These troubling thoughts and feelingsforn~ithe core of helper secrets. This article presents an exploratory analysis of helper secrets gathered from hospice workers. Factors contributing to the development, persistence, and stressful nature of helper secrets are discussed. Staff support groups and strengthened social support networks are recommendedas antidotes to these invisible stressors.

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