Protective Factors for Secondary Traumatic Stress in Residential Treatment Staff

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Protective Factors for Secondary Traumatic Stress in Residential Treatment Staff University of Northern Colorado Scholarship & Creative Works @ Digital UNC Dissertations Student Research 7-2020 Protective Factors for Secondary Traumatic Stress in Residential Treatment Staff Stacey Gagliano Follow this and additional works at: https://digscholarship.unco.edu/dissertations © 2020 STACEY GAGLIANO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO Greeley, Colorado The Graduate School PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS IN RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT STAFF A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Stacey Gagliano College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Department of School Psychology August 2020 This Dissertation by: Stacey Gagliano Entitled: Protective Factors for Secondary Traumatic Stress in Residential Treatment Staff has been approved as meeting the requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in College of Education and Behavioral Science in the Department of School Psychology Accepted by the Doctoral Committee _______________________________________________________ David Hulac, PhD, Research Advisor _______________________________________________________ Robyn S. Hess, PhD, Committee Member _______________________________________________________ Basilia Softas-Nall, PhD, Committee Member _______________________________________________________ Thom Dunn, PhD, Faculty Representative Date of Dissertation Defense _________________________________________ Accepted by the Graduate School _____________________________________________ Cindy Wesley Interim Associate Provost and Dean The Graduate School and International Admissions ABSTRACT Gagliano, Stacey. Protective factors for secondary traumatic stress in residential treatment staff. Unpublished Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation, University of Northern Colorado, 2020. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between empathy, a problem- focused coping style, compassion satisfaction (CS), staff cohesion, and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress (STS) in residential treatment center (RTC) staff, while controlling for previous direct trauma exposure. A total of 44 participants were recruited from RTCs in a western state and included mental health care providers (clinical staff), direct-care staff, and educational staff. Participants completed a 62-question electronic survey that included several self-report measures evaluating each of the aforementioned variables, in addition to demographics. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the degree to which these variables explain STS symptoms in RTC staff. A one-factor ANOVA was utilized to compare rates of STS between across occupational groups. Findings of correlational analyses indicated that higher levels of problem-focused coping skills were significantly associated with a greater sense of empathy. Moreover, the experience of direct trauma, empathy, problem-focused coping, CS, and staff cohesion significantly explained STS symptoms in RTC staff. These results suggest that particular individual and/or organizational factors may serve a protective function against STS and further research is warranted as this knowledge may benefit training programs and staff development opportunities across systems that serve traumatized youth. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First and foremost, I would like to thank my incredibly supportive and loving husband, John. John definitively stated, early on in this process, “we will get you through this program.” He reiterated this to me many times throughout this journey and he truly meant it. The endless weekends he spent alone, without complaint, while I sat in our living room and worked for countless hours, is a testament to his dedication. The many days that he packed both lunch and dinner for me to take to campus for yet another 16- hour day, always showed me how much he cared. I am so grateful to have him in my life. I would not be where I am today, or who I am today, without his enduring love, support, and encouragement. I love you John. I would like to thank my parents, who struggled at first with idea that I would be moving across the country from them, but who each took a week off of work to make that four-day drive with us when the day finally came. They taught me to be the person that I am, and I am now able to go forward and help those in need because they instilled in me the value of hard work, kindness, compassion, and love. Thank you to my mother and father-in-law, who I feel so lucky to have in my life. They have been unwavering in their support for me and my goals and they never fail to tell me how proud they are of me. In addition, to my siblings, for taking the time to come visit me when I was unable to visit them, for always being a source of support and comfort. iv To my friends, who were understanding when I struggled to find time to talk and rarely visited. For always making me laugh and keeping my spirits high. This includes the new friends I made in Denver, who kept me sane and celebrated my wins every time. Also, the new friends I made in my program at UNCO, who studied with me, laughed with me, occasionally cried with me, and always encouraged me forward. Thank you to my dissertation committee, Dr. Robyn Hess, Dr. Thomas Dunn, Dr. Basilia Softas-Nall, and my dissertation chair, Dr. David Hulac. I appreciate your support and expertise throughout my years in the program. Thank you for lending your time and energy to my dissertation and helping me achieve my goals. Lastly, thank you to the residential treatment centers who partnered with me and generously allowed me to collect information from their staff. This project would not have been possible without them. More specifically, I would like to thank the clinical directors, who not only provided me with participants, but who have supported me, mentored me, and without whom I would not be the clinician I am today. v TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................... 1 Significance of the Problem .................................................................................... 2 Statement of the Problem ...................................................................................... 11 Purpose Statement ................................................................................................. 12 Research Questions ............................................................................................... 13 Definition of Terms............................................................................................... 13 Summary of Introduction ...................................................................................... 15 II. LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................. 17 Placements and Systems: Residential Care........................................................... 17 Youth in Residential Care ..................................................................................... 23 The Effects of Complex Trauma........................................................................... 25 The Important Role of Staff .................................................................................. 31 Trauma Loop ......................................................................................................... 34 Secondary Traumatic Stress .................................................................................. 37 Risk and Protective Factors .................................................................................. 41 History of Adversity and/or Trauma ......................................................... 41 Gender ....................................................................................................... 44 Coping Styles ............................................................................................ 45 Empathy .................................................................................................... 48 Compassion Satisfaction ........................................................................... 51 Work Environment.................................................................................... 53 Current Study ........................................................................................................ 54 III. METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................... 56 Participants and Setting......................................................................................... 56 Instrumentation ..................................................................................................... 59 The Empathy Assessment Index ............................................................... 60 The Professional Quality of Life Scale ..................................................... 61 Coping with Stress .................................................................................... 62 Staff Cohesion ........................................................................................... 65 vi Demographic Characteristics .................................................................... 66 Research Design.................................................................................................... 67 Procedures ............................................................................................................. 68 Data Analysis
Recommended publications
  • Bionomics to Trial Drug Against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
    ABN 53 075 582 740 ASX ANNOUNCEMENT 30 June 2016 BIONOMICS TO TRIAL DRUG AGAINST POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Trial to examine effects of Bionomics’ drug candidate BNC210 on PTSD No current effective treatments for PTSD 5-10% of population will suffer PTSD at some point ADELAIDE, Australia, 30 June 2016: Bionomics Limited (ASX:BNO; OTCQX:BNOEF), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics for the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system and cancer, has initiated a Phase II clinical trial with its drug candidate BNC210 in adults suffering Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The study’s primary objective is to determine whether BNC210 causes a decrease in symptoms of PTSD as measured by the globally-accepted Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5). Secondary objectives include the determination of the effects of BNC210 on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and safety. This clinical study will recruit 160 subjects with PTSD at 8-10 clinical research centres throughout Australia and New Zealand. The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with subjects to be treated over 12 weeks with BNC210 or placebo. The Principal Investigator is Professor Jayashri Kulkarni from the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. PTSD is very common and its societal and economic burden extremely heavy. It is estimated that 5-10% of the general population will suffer from PTSD at some point in their lives. There is a need for further and improved pharmacotherapy options for people with PTSD. Currently, only two drugs, the antidepressants paroxetine and sertraline, are approved for the treatment of PTSD.
    [Show full text]
  • Living with Threats of Violence
    Living with threats of violence People who are frequently exposed to violence or live with threats of violence may experience psychological, emotional, and physical effects. Whether the threat of violence is the result of living in a dangerous neighborhood or being involved in an abusive relationship, common reactions include fear, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These stress reactions are normal but can seriously interfere with everyday life and the ability to function at home, work, or school. Common reactions Coping with stress and anxiety If the threat of violence and conflict is constant Living with the threat of violence is an unfortunate and unpredictable, people may operate in “survival reality for many people around the world. Ways to mode” and find it difficult to focus on anything but manage stress and anxiety include the following: the looming threat. For most people, being physically • Take care of yourself first. Eat healthy foods, get threatened is a traumatic event. Emotional and enough rest, and exercise on a regular basis. physical responses to traumatic events may include: Physical activity can relieve anxiety and promote • Shock, confusion, and intense fear well-being. • Anxiety and sadness • Talk about your concerns with people you trust. A • Physical reactions such as headaches, supportive network is very important for emotional stomachaches, chest pains, racing pulse, dizzy health. spells, trouble sleeping and changes in appetite • Avoid excessive use of caffeine, alcohol and • Being easily startled nicotine. • Feelings of anger, guilt, despair, and self-blame • Balance work and play. Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy, or find interesting volunteer • Difficulty concentrating work.
    [Show full text]
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Sleep
    SHF-PTSD-0312 21/3/12 6:20 PM Page 1 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Sleep Important Things to Know About PTSD and Sleep • PTSD can happen after a period of extreme trauma and stress. • One of the symptoms of PTSD may be problems with sleeping. • The treatment for this will depend on how the PTSD is affecting sleep. • There are many treatments available. How might PTSD affect sleep? • Insomnia. People with PTSD may have difficulty with getting to sleep or staying asleep. They may wake up There are may sleep problems that may be associated frequently during the night and be unable to get back with PTSD. For more information on the disorders to sleep. mentioned below see the relevant pages on this website. • Issues linked to the body clock, such as Delayed Sleep • The extreme anxiety of PTSD (caused by trauma or Phase Disorder may occur in a person with PTSD. If you catastrophe) can seriously disrupt sleep. In some cases can’t get to sleep until very late at night and then this starts a few months after the event. You might need to sleep in you may be experiencing this suffer from horror or strong fear and feel helpless. See problem. Anxiety and Sleep. • Obstructive Sleep Apnoea may be caused by weight • People with PTSD have higher rates of depression and gain due to the life style changes associated with the this is often associated with poor sleep. See PTSD. If the sleep apnoea is serious, medications such Depression and Sleep. as Seroquel can be an additional danger.
    [Show full text]
  • Which Is It: ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Or PTSD?
    HEALINGHEALINGA PUBLICATION OF THE HCH CLINICIANS’ HANDSHANDS NETWORK Vol. 10, No. 3 I August 2006 Which Is It: ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, or PTSD? Across the spectrum of mental health care, Anxiety Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, and Mood Disorders often appear to overlap, as well as co-occur with substance abuse. Learning to differentiate between ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD is crucial for HCH clinicians as they move toward integrated primary and behavioral health care models to serve homeless clients. The primary focus of this issue is differential diagnosis. Readers interested in more detailed clinical information about etiology, treatment, and other interventions are referred to a number of helpful resources listed on page 6. HOMELESS PEOPLE & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Close to a symptoms exhibited by clients with ADHD, bipolar disorder, or quarter of the estimated 200,000 people who experience long-term, PTSD that make definitive diagnosis formidable. The second chronic homelessness each year in the U.S. suffer from serious mental causative issue is how clients’ illnesses affect their homelessness. illness and as many as 40 percent have substance use disorders, often Understanding that clinical and research scientists and social workers with other co-occurring health problems. Although the majority of continually try to tease out the impact of living circumstances and people experiencing homelessness are able to access resources comorbidities, we recognize the importance of causal issues but set through their extended family and community allowing them to them aside to concentrate primarily on how to achieve accurate rebound more quickly, those who are chronically homeless have few diagnoses in a challenging care environment.
    [Show full text]
  • Adjustment Disorder
    ADJUSTMENT DISORDER Introduction Recent Changes from the DSM-IV to the DSM-5 Prevalence Causes and Risk Factors Classifications Diagnosis Comorbidity Treatment Psychotherapy Pharmacological Treatment Cultural Considerations Overview for Families Introduction An adjustment disorder is an unhealthy behavioral response to a stressful event or circumstance (Medical Center of Central Georgia, 2002). Youth who experience distress in excess of what is an expected response may experience significant impairment in normal daily functioning and activities (Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, 2002). Adjustment disorders in youth are created by factors similar to those in adults. Factors that may contribute to the development of adjustment disorders include the nature of the stressor and the vulnerabilities of the child, as well as other intrinsic and extrinsic factors (Benton & Lynch, 2009). In order to be diagnosed as an adjustment disorder, the child’s reaction must occur within three months of the identified event (Medical Center of Central Georgia, 2002). Typically, the symptoms do not last more than six months, and the majority of children quickly return to normal functioning (United Behavioral Health, 2002). Adjustment disorders differ from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in that PTSD usually occurs in reaction to a life-threatening event and may last longer (Access Med Health Library, 2002). Adjustment disorders may be difficult to distinguish from major depressive disorder (Casey & Doherty, 2012). Unless otherwise cited, the following information is attributed to the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital (2005). In clinical samples of children and adolescents, males and females are equally likely to be diagnosed with an adjustment disorder (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2000).
    [Show full text]
  • Anger and PTSD
    VOLUME 31/NO. 3 • ISSN: 1050-1835 • 2020 Research Quarterly advancing science and promoting understanding of traumatic stress Leslie Morland, PhD, PsyD Published by: VA Health Care System, San Diego, CA National Center for PTSD National Center for PTSD Pacific Islands Division, Honolulu, HI VA Medical Center (116D) University of California, San Diego, CA 215 North Main Street White River Junction Eric Elbogen, PhD, ABPP (Forensic) Vermont 05009-0001 USA Anger and PTSD VA National Center on Homelessness among Veterans (802) 296-5132 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC FAX (802) 296-5135 Email: [email protected] Kirsten Dillon, PhD Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC All issues of the PTSD Research Durham VA Health Center, Durham, NC Quarterly are available online at: www.ptsd.va.gov Dysregulated anger and heightened levels of recent research on assessing anger and aggression are prominent among Veterans and aggression. We will then discuss treatments for Editorial Members: civilians with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD and anger, and their effects on reducing Editorial Director Two decades of research with Veterans have found a anger outcomes, followed by a brief review of Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD robust relationship between the incidence of PTSD some recent studies using technology and novel Bibliographic Editor and elevated rates of anger, aggression, and approaches to target anger. We will end with some David Kruidenier, MLS violence. When considering anger in the context of conclusions and suggestions for future research. Managing Editor PTSD it is important to note that previously the Heather Smith, BA Ed fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Impact of Anger Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) combined the Anger has been found to contribute to a range of National Center Divisions: behavioral and emotional aspects of anger in Executive difficulties among individuals with PTSD, including Criterion D3.
    [Show full text]
  • Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTG)
    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder Effective: November 1, 2021 Adapted by NYS Workers’ Compensation Board (“WCB”) from MDGuidelines® with permission of Reed Group, Ltd. (“ReedGroup”), which is not responsible for WCB’s modifications. MDGuidelines® are Copyright 2019 Reed Group, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, displayed, disseminated, modified, or incorporated in any form without prior written permission from ReedGroup and WCB. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be viewed and printed solely for internal use as a reference, including to assist in compliance with WCL Sec. 13-0 and 12 NYCRR Part 44[0], provided that (i) users shall not sell or distribute, display, or otherwise provide such copies to others or otherwise commercially exploit the material. Commercial licenses, which provide access to the online text-searchable version of MDGuidelines®, are available from ReedGroup at www.mdguidelines.com. Contributors The NYS Workers’ Compensation Board would like to thank the members of the New York Workers’ Compensation Board Medical Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC served as the Board’s advisory body to adapt the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) Practice Guidelines to a New York version of the Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTG). In this capacity, the MAC provided valuable input and made recommendations to help guide the final version of these Guidelines. With full consensus reached on many topics, and a careful review of any dissenting opinions on others, the Board established the final product. New York State Workers’ Compensation Board Medical Advisory Committee Christopher A. Burke, MD , FAPM Attending Physician, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Northwell Health Assistant Clinical Professor, Hofstra Medical School Joseph Canovas, Esq.
    [Show full text]
  • When Treatment Becomes Trauma: Defining, Preventing, and Transforming Medical Trauma
    Suggested APA style reference information can be found at http://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/vistas Article 73 When Treatment Becomes Trauma: Defining, Preventing, and Transforming Medical Trauma Paper based on a program presented at the 2013 American Counseling Association Conference, March 24, Cincinnati, OH. Michelle Flaum Hall and Scott E. Hall Flaum Hall, Michelle, is an assistant professor in Counseling at Xavier University and has written and presented on the topic of medical trauma, post- traumatic growth, and wellness for nine years. Hall, Scott E., is an associate professor in Counselor Education and Human Services at the University of Dayton and has written and presented on trauma, depression, growth, and wellness for 18 years. Abstract Medical trauma, while not a common term in the lexicon of the health professions, is a phenomenon that deserves the attention of mental and physical healthcare providers. Trauma experienced as a result of medical procedures, illnesses, and hospital stays can have lasting effects. Those who experience medical trauma can develop clinically significant reactions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, complicated grief, and somatic complaints. In addition to clinical disorders, secondary crises—including developmental, physical, existential, relational, occupational, spiritual, and of self—can lead people to seek counseling for ongoing support, growth, and healing. While counselors are central in treating the aftereffects of medical trauma and helping clients experience posttraumatic growth, the authors suggest the importance of mental health practitioners in the prevention and assessment of medical trauma within an integrated health paradigm. The prevention and treatment of trauma-related illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been of increasing concern to health practitioners and policy makers in the United States (Tedstone & Tarrier, 2003).
    [Show full text]
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression
    Sakuma et al. BMC Psychiatry (2015) 15:58 DOI 10.1186/s12888-015-0440-y RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression prevalence and associated risk factors among local disaster relief and reconstruction workers fourteen months after the Great East Japan Earthquake: a cross-sectional study Atsushi Sakuma1,2*, Yoko Takahashi2,3, Ikki Ueda2,4, Hirotoshi Sato1,2, Masahiro Katsura1,2, Mikika Abe2,3, Ayami Nagao2,3, Yuriko Suzuki5, Masako Kakizaki6, Ichiro Tsuji6, Hiroo Matsuoka2,4 and Kazunori Matsumoto2,3 Abstract Background: Many local workers have been involved in rescue and reconstruction duties since the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) on March 11, 2011. These workers continuously confront diverse stressors as both survivors and relief and reconstruction workers. However, little is known about the psychological sequelae among these workers. Thus, we assessed the prevalence of and personal/workplace risk factors for probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), probable depression, and high general psychological distress in this population. Methods: Participants (N = 1294; overall response rate, 82.9%) were workers (firefighters, n = 327; local municipality workers, n = 610; hospital medical workers, n = 357) in coastal areas of Miyagi prefecture. The study was cross-sectional and conducted 14 months after the GEJE using a self-administered questionnaire which included the PTSD Checklist–Specific Version, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the K6 scale. Significant risk factors from bivariate analysis, such as displacement, dead or missing family member(s), near-death experience, disaster related work, lack of communication, and lack of rest were considered potential factors in probable PTSD, probable depression, and high general psychological distress, and were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment and Treatment of Posttraumatic Anger and Aggression: a Review
    Volume 49, Number 5, 2012 JRRDJRRD Pages 777–788 Assessment and treatment of posttraumatic anger and aggression: A review Casey T. Taft, PhD;1–2* Suzannah K. Creech, PhD;1,3 Lorig Kachadourian, PhD1–2 1National Center for PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA; 2Boston Uni- versity School of Medicine, Boston, MA; 3Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI; and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI Abstract—The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and hyperarousal and are increasingly being viewed as a Department of Defense’s (DOD) recently published and updated defining feature of patients’ clinical presentations. Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense VA/ DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Post- Traumatic Stress includes irritability, severe agitation, and METHODS anger as specific symptoms that frequently co-occur with PTSD. For the first time, the guideline includes nine specific We begin by reviewing literature on the associations recommendations for the assessment and treatment of PTSD- related anger, irritability, and agitation. This article will review between PTSD and both anger and aggression. The the literature on PTSD and its association with anger and review that occurred for the update in the 2010 VA/DOD aggression. We highlight explanatory models for these associa- PTSD clinical practice guideline and additional relevant tions, factors that contribute to the occurrence of anger and literature published since that guideline review is aggression in PTSD, assessment of anger and aggression, and included. We then discuss theoretical models that have effective anger management interventions and strategies. been proposed to explain these associations.
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Or PTSD? Some People Develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) After Experiencing a Shocking, Scary, Or Dangerous Event
    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder National Institute of Mental Health What is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD? Some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear is a part of the body’s normal “fight-or-flight” response, which helps us avoid or respond to potential danger. People may experience a range of reactions after trauma, and most will recover from their symptoms over time. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be diagnosed with PTSD. Who develops PTSD? Anyone can develop PTSD at any age. This includes combat veterans as well as people who have experienced or witnessed a physical or sexual assault, abuse, an accident, a disaster, a terror attack, or other serious events. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are no longer in danger. Not everyone with PTSD has been through a dangerous event. In some cases, learning that a relative or close friend experienced trauma can cause PTSD. According to the National Center for PTSD, a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about seven or eight of every 100 people will experience PTSD in their lifetime. Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD. Certain aspects of the traumatic event and some biological factors (such as genes) may make some people more likely to develop PTSD. What are the symptoms of PTSD? Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but they sometimes emerge later.
    [Show full text]
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Racial Trauma
    VOLUME 32/NO. 1 • ISSN: 1050-1835 • 2021 Research Quarterly advancing science and promoting understanding of traumatic stress Published by: Monnica T. Williams, PhD National Center for PTSD University of Ottawa, School of Psychology, Ottawa, ON VA Medical Center (116D) 215 North Main Street Posttraumatic Angela M. Haeny, PhD White River Junction Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Vermont 05009-0001 USA Stress Disorder New Haven, CT (802) 296-5132 FAX (802) 296-5135 and Racial Trauma Samantha C. Holmes, PhD Email: [email protected] Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT All issues of the PTSD Research City University of New York, College of Staten Island, Quarterly are available online at: Department of Psychology, Staten Island, NY www.ptsd.va.gov Definition/Description as part of acculturating to White culture. As a Editorial Members: Editorial Director result, some people of color may change their Butts (2002) was the first to draw attention to what Matthew J. Friedman, MD, PhD presentation and behavior and accommodate the we now call racial trauma, or race-based trauma, in Bibliographic Editor cultural preferences of White people to avoid the mental health literature. Racial trauma can be David Kruidenier, MLS triggering responses that might further their own defined as the cumulative traumatizing impact of racial trauma. As part of acculturating to White Managing Editor racism on a racialized individual, which can include Heather Smith, BA Ed culture, some people of color actively maintain their individual acts of racial discrimination combined intersecting identities, whereas others may with systemic racism, and typically includes internalize racism by embracing stereotypes about National Center Divisions: historical, cultural, and community trauma as well.
    [Show full text]