My name is Roxanna Rowe, and I am a doctoral student at National University. I am conducting a research study to study how supportive leadership at work can help reduce stress and improve well-being for people in healthcare and helping professions.

I am recruiting individuals who meet all of these criteria:

  1. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
  2. Participants must be currently employed in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Counties.
  3. Participants must work in a trauma response or helping profession, such as law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS), firefighting, crisis intervention, disaster response, or related behavioral health support roles.
  4. Participants must have a direct supervisor, manager, or team leader in their workplace.
  5. Participants must be able to read and understand English to complete the consent form and survey.

If you decide to participate in this study, you will be asked to do the following activities:

  1. Informed Consent Process
    1. Activity Description: Participants will review an electronic or written informed consent form outlining the purpose of the study, confidentiality protections, voluntary participation, and the option to withdraw at any time. The researcher will answer any questions before beginning the interview.
    2. Location/Platform: Conducted virtually via a secure video conferencing platform (e.g., Zoom) or by phone, based on participant preference.
    3. Estimated Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Demographic Questions
    1. Activity Description: Participants will respond to brief demographic questions (e.g., role, years of experience, type of trauma response work, and work setting).
    2. Location/Platform: Conducted at the start of the interview session.
    3. Estimated Time: Approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Semi-Structured Interview
    1. Activity Description: The researcher will conduct a semi-structured interview exploring participants’ experiences with health-oriented leadership, organizational support, burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and resilience in trauma response work. Participants will be invited to share examples and perspectives about leadership practices and workplace well-being.
    2. Location/Platform: Conducted virtually via a secure video platform (e.g., Zoom) or by phone.
    3. Estimated Time: Approximately 30–40 minutes.
  4. Debrief and Resource Information
    1. Activity Description: After the interview, participants will receive a verbal and written debrief summarizing the study’s purpose. They will also receive contact information for mental health and crisis support resources (e.g., National Alliance on Mental Illness, SAMHSA Helpline).
    2. Location/Platform: Conducted immediately following the interview (same session).
    3. Estimated Time: Approximately 5 minutes.

While there is no monetary compensation for taking part in this study, your time and willingness to share your experiences are deeply appreciated. Your insights as a trauma response professional will help build understanding of how supportive leadership and organizational practices can reduce burnout and strengthen resilience in high-stress roles. At the end of the interview, you’ll receive a personal thank-you message recognizing your valuable contribution to this vital research.

If you have questions or wish to participate in this study, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me either by phone at 530-782-8451 or

by email at r.villa1664125406@student.nu.edu

Thank you for considering participating in this voluntary research!

Roxanna Rowe

Doctoral Candidate

National University