Effectiveness of Brief CBT in Reducing the Severity of Secondary Traumatic Stress among Probation Officers in Nairobi County, Kenya

The purpose of this study is to establish the effectiveness of brief cognitive behavior therapy (Brief CBT) on the severity of Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among probation officers working in probation offices in Nairobi County, Kenya. The research design was a single group pre and posttest quasi-experiment. The target population was 108 probation officers distributed across 8 locations. The study used purposive sampling to select 84 probation officers who met criteria for inclusion. Screening was done using Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS). The eligible respondents then underwent a 6-week Brief CBT program. On the conclusion of the 6-week treatment, the researcher re-administered the STSS to 45 participants who successfully completed the brief CBT program. Quantitative data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation scores, percentage frequencies, paired samples t-test, cross-tabulation analysis, and chi-square tests. Results showed a statistically significant decline in the prevalence of Secondary Traumatic Stress t (44) = 12.45, p<.01. The Cohen d score was 1.86, 95% CI (1.37, 2.35), signifying that the intervention effect was likely very large. A mean percentage change of 50.26% (SD = 15.68) was observed, suggesting that, on average, Secondary Traumatic Stress decreased by approximately half after the intervention. It was concluded that the Brief CBT program was potentially effective in reducing the severity of Secondary Traumatic Stress among the study participants. Thus, probation officers should actively participate in CBT-based programs and consistently apply learned coping strategies. Clinical psychologists should integrate Brief CBT into trauma management programs for probation officers. Policymakers should invest in structured CBT-based workshops and supervision frameworks to ensure sustainable trauma management across the