Research

Trauma-informed Social Work Practice: Practice Considerations and Challenges

2 mins read Social Care Mental Health
This article summarises current theory and research regarding the nature and long-term consequences of childhood trauma and discusses the concept of trauma-informed practice.

The majority of individuals seeking or required to seek services in addiction, mental health and child welfare settings are adult survivors of childhood trauma. The focus in these settings is generally on the present-day difficulties that the survivor is struggling with, while underlying past trauma and its impact on current functioning is often overlooked.

Childhood trauma

Similar traumatic childhood events are experienced differently by individuals as a result of a number of factors (for example, social, individual, intra-familial). Childhood trauma, particularly when it involves interpersonal victimisation, is associated with a range of difficulties in adult life including depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, substance abuse and eating disorders. These experiences also colour the way survivors think about their social world, potentially leading to isolation and difficulties forming positive relationships of trust.

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