Trauma Informed Research: Mental and Physical Health Consequences of Trauma on Marginalized Groups

A special issue of Behavioral Sciences (ISSN 2076-328X). This special issue belongs to the section "Social Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 1520

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Social Work, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
Interests: trauma informed interventions; child welfare system; juvenile justice system; intersectionality; African American youth; adolescence

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
Interests: interventions; cultural strengths; identity; socialization experiences; measurement; Afrocentric theory

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been increased attention on the impact of trauma in the lives of individuals. However, there is a paucity of research that focuses on the impact that trauma and trauma-informed interventions have on the mental and physical health outcomes of individuals across their lifespan. Notably, there is a gap in the literature as it pertains to individuals with unique developmental needs, such as parents, children, adolescents, emerging adults, particularly from marginalized groups. Therefore, we invite papers that focus on trauma and trauma-informed interventions and their impact on people’s mental and physical health outcomes throughout their lives. We are interested in scholarly submissions that acknowledge the unique context in which trauma takes place in the lives of individuals. Manuscripts that acknowledges the impact of systems’ involvement (e.g., child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, etc.) as well as those that acknowledge the positionality of the person (e.g., culturally responsive interventions, gender-responsive interventions, etc.) are welcomed. Also, papers that focus on the measurement of these issues are also welcome. 

The topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

•    Trauma;
•    Trauma-informed interventions;
•    Adverse childhood experiences;
•    Culturally responsive interventions;
•    Gender-responsive interventions;
•    Measurement;
•    Developmental trauma;
•    Child maltreatment;
•    Juvenile justice;
•    Mental health;
•    Substance use;
•    Longitudinal methods;
•    Parenting;
•    Lifespan development.

Dr. Abigail Williams-Butler
Dr. Husain Lateef
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • trauma
  • adverse childhood experiences
  • culturally responsive interventions
  • gender-responsive interventions
  • measurement
  • developmental trauma
  • child maltreatment
  • juvenile justice
  • mental health
  • longitudinal methods

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 305 KiB  
Article
Revealing ‘Eha: A Qualitative Project on Historical Trauma Experiences Among Wāhine
by Samantha Keaulana, LeShay Keli’iholokai, Riko Lee, Pahonu Coleman, Malia L. Kipapa, Ilima Ho-Lastimosa and Jane J. Chung-Do
Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1238; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14121238 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 343
Abstract
Historical trauma has been established as a determinant of health among all Hawaiians, but limited research exists on how Wāhine (Native Hawaiian women) uniquely experience historical trauma. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to primarily understand how historical trauma, trauma response, and the [...] Read more.
Historical trauma has been established as a determinant of health among all Hawaiians, but limited research exists on how Wāhine (Native Hawaiian women) uniquely experience historical trauma. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to primarily understand how historical trauma, trauma response, and the transmission and modes of intergenerational trauma intersect with sexism and patriarchy among contemporary Wāhine, as described in the Historical Trauma Conceptual Model. With partnership and approval of the Waimānalo Pono Research Hui, interviews were conducted with 13 Wāhine from various generations in Hawai’i. The structural, institutional, interpersonal, and internal levels of ‘Eha (loosely translated as hurt/suffering/to inflict pain/cause hurt or suffering) were generated as prominent themes from the data. Findings from this project communicate the urgency for change to heal Wāhine with radical aloha and to support them in reimagining a world that is inclusive of their needs. Full article

Review

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22 pages, 420 KiB  
Review
Trauma, Justice, and Equity: Using Critical Theories and Concepts to Address Systemic Harm Among Youth Punishment System-Involved Black Girls
by Camille R. Quinn
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010031 - 1 Jan 2025
Viewed by 679
Abstract
This review critically evaluates the existing literature on youth punishment system (YPS)-involved Black girls and their intersections of with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It synthesizes findings from previous studies, identifying key research trends, gaps, and controversies, while also highlighting areas in [...] Read more.
This review critically evaluates the existing literature on youth punishment system (YPS)-involved Black girls and their intersections of with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It synthesizes findings from previous studies, identifying key research trends, gaps, and controversies, while also highlighting areas in need of further investigation. Black girls, particularly those involved in systems such as juvenile justice, child welfare, and education, often face disproportionate exposure to violence, abuse and neglect, trauma, and systemic racism. For Black girls with histories of trauma and PTSD, these intersecting challenges are compounded by the added vulnerabilities of race, gender, and YPS involvement. This article argues that addressing the complex needs of this population requires recognition that Black girls’ harm is criminalized and, therefore, inextricably linked to their YPS-involvement, so a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach that includes trauma-informed care, healing-centered engagement, and holistic support systems are needed. Equitable access to tailored mental health services, educational resources, and culturally relevant interventions is essential to mitigate the long-term effects of trauma, promote resilience, and foster healing. Additionally, advocacy efforts to dismantle systemic harm and address racial and gender disparities are critical for creating inclusive environments that empower and support Black girls in these systems. By centering their lived experiences, this review emphasizes the importance of fostering environments of healing, justice, and equity for this vulnerable population. Full article
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