What term describes the change that occurs due to the impact of caring for those who have suffered?

The term that best describes the change that occurs due to the impact of caring for those who have suffered is vicarious trauma. This phenomenon refers specifically to the emotional and psychological effects experienced by individuals who are exposed to the traumatic experiences of others, often through their work. Health care providers, therapists, and first responders, for example, may experience vicarious trauma as they witness or hear about the suffering and trauma of their clients or patients.

Vicarious trauma can manifest as changes in a person’s worldview, emotional state, and even relational dynamics because they internalize the trauma experienced by those they care for. This could result in feelings of helplessness, intrusive thoughts, and an altered sense of safety. The impact goes beyond mere stress, as it directly relates to the empathetic engagement with others' traumas and demonstrates the emotional toll that can stem from being a compassionate caregiver.

Other terms listed in the question, while related, do not capture this specific experience. For instance, secondary trauma is often used interchangeably with vicarious trauma, but it typically refers to the trauma symptoms that arise after exposure to someone else's traumatic experiences rather than the deeper psychological changes that vicarious trauma entails. Burnout refers to physical and emotional exhaustion often due