Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout: A Study Among Practicing Legal Advocates in Coimbatore

Secondary trauma and burnout are increasingly recognized as critical challenges in professions dealing with human suffering, particularly among legal advocates who manage clients’ traumatic experiences, threats, and the demanding nature of litigation. Whilst these issues have been extensively studied in healthcare and counselling, limited attention has been given to the legal field, especially in regional contexts such as Coimbatore. This study investigates the relationship between secondary traumatic stress (STS) and burnout among legal advocates, with additional focus on the influence of work experience and gender. A quantitative research design was adopted, involving 400 practicing advocates in Coimbatore, and data were collected using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL), Version 5, a validated measure of compassion fatigue and burnout. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between STS and burnout, r(398) = .56, p < .001, indicating that higher levels of STS are associated with greater burnout. These findings underscore the urgent need for awareness, preventive interventions, and institutional support within the legal profession. By highlighting the psychological burden borne by advocates, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of occupational stress and emphasizes the importance of fostering mental well-being and career sustainability.

Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS), Burnout, Legal Advocates.

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