JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Frontline workers are frequently exposed to traumatic and high-stress experiences through their occupational roles. While the psychological impacts for frontline workers themselves are well documented, far less attention has been given to the indirect effects of occupational trauma on their family members. Emerging evidence suggests that trauma exposure may extend beyond the individual worker, influencing the emotional wellbeing, relationships, and functioning of partners, children, and wider family systems. However, this literature remains fragmented across disciplines, occupational groups, and sociocultural contexts.

Objective:

The aim of this scoping review is to identify, map, and synthesise existing research on the impact of frontline worker trauma on family members. The review will examine how reported impacts vary across frontline occupations and sociocultural contexts, and will identify key gaps to inform future research, policy, and practice.

Methods:

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodological guidance. A comprehensive search will be undertaken in PubMed (MEDLINE), PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eligible studies will include qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods primary research published in English, with no time constrains. Title and abstract screening, followed by full-text screening, will be conducted independently by at least two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Data will be charted using a structured extraction framework and synthesised narratively, with findings presented using tables and visual evidence mapping.

Results:

This review will produce an evidence map describing the range of psychological, relational, and social impacts of frontline worker trauma on family members, the populations and occupational groups studied, and the sociocultural contexts represented. Gaps in the literature will be identified to guide future research priorities.

Conclusions:

By consolidating and mapping the existing evidence, this scoping review will contribute to an emerging but under-researched field and support the development of family-inclusive policies, services, and interventions for frontline worker populations.