Relational attunement is defined as the ability to understand and respond appropriately to another person's emotional state or needs. It involves being aware of and responsive to nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. This can include active listening, validation, and reflecting back what has been said to show that one understands and cares about the other person's perspective. Relational attunement plays an important role in mitigating secondary traumatic stress, which refers to the psychological impact of witnessing or hearing about another person's trauma, often experienced by caregivers and professionals who work with survivors of trauma. In this article, I will explore how relational attunement influences the mitigation of secondary traumatic stress by discussing its effects on empathy, dissociation, and resilience.
How does relational attunement influence empathy?
Empathy refers to the ability to imagine and share someone else's feelings and perspectives. Research suggests that individuals who are more empathetic tend to have greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills (Decety & Jackson, 2004). When a caregiver or professional experiences secondary traumatic stress, they may struggle with empathy due to their own emotional exhaustion, desensitization, and numbing (Dell, Ouimette, Moos, & Stamm, 2009).
Relational attunement can help caregivers and professionals maintain their empathy by providing them with a safe space to express and process their own emotions. By validating the other person's experience and being present with them, caregivers and professionals can build trust and establish a positive relationship that supports empathic connection.
If a therapist is able to listen actively and respond appropriately to a client's story of trauma, it can help the client feel heard and understood, which can increase their willingness to engage in treatment and improve outcomes (Koocher & Keith-Spiegel, 1985). Relational attunement can also help caregivers and professionals recognize and validate their own emotions, such as anger, sadness, or frustration, which can prevent burnout and compassion fatigue (Abramowitz et al., 2013).
How does relational attunement influence dissociation?
Dissociation refers to the psychological separation from one's thoughts, feelings, or memories. It is often experienced as an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotional pain, anxiety, or fear. Secondary traumatic stress can lead to dissociative symptoms such as depersonalization, derealization, amnesia, or identity confusion (Briere & Scott, 2017). Relational attunement can be particularly helpful for individuals who are experiencing dissociation because it provides a sense of safety and connection. By being present and responsive, caregivers and professionals can create a secure attachment that allows the individual to regulate their emotions and reintegrate into their own body (Siegel, 2014). Validating the other person's experience and providing support can also reduce shame and self-blame, which can exacerbate dissociation.
If a therapist is able to acknowledge a client's feeling of guilt or responsibility after witnessing someone else's trauma, it can provide validation and support, reducing the sense of isolation and shame (Taylor & Thompson, 2008). This in turn can help the client integrate their experience and develop greater resilience.
How does relational attunement influence resilience?
Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and recover from difficult experiences. Individuals who have high levels of resilience tend to have better coping skills, positive social relationships, and overall wellbeing (Masten et al., 2004). Research suggests that relational attunement can promote resilience by promoting social connectedness, fostering self-esteem, and supporting emotion regulation (Koole, 2016). Caregivers and professionals who practice relational attunement with their clients may feel more supported and valued, which can increase their confidence and motivation. They may also learn new ways of responding to stressful situations and develop greater self-awareness, which can improve their ability to manage their own emotional reactions.
Relational attunement can enhance communication and collaboration, which can lead to greater professional satisfaction and workplace success (Berg et al., 2019).
If a caregiver or professional feels heard and appreciated by their colleagues during a challenging situation, they may be more likely to seek out support and collaborate effectively, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced burnout.
Relational attunement plays an important role in mitigating secondary traumatic stress by influencing empathy, dissociation, and resilience. By being present and responsive, caregivers and professionals can create a safe space for their clients or patients to express themselves fully and build trust. This in turn can help individuals process and integrate their experiences, reduce symptoms of distress, and develop greater resilience. While there are many factors that influence the mitigation of secondary traumatic stress, relational attunement is a powerful tool that can be applied across settings and professions. As such, it is essential for all healthcare providers to prioritize this skill as part of their training and ongoing development.
In what ways does relational attunement influence the mitigation of secondary traumatic stress?
Relational attunement refers to the ability of individuals to be responsive and sensitive to others' emotions and needs. This skill plays an essential role in managing trauma-related symptoms such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal after exposure to a distressing event.