Pilot study of buffering racial stress and trauma for youth exposed to maltreatment

University Of Rochester, Rochester NY

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Abstract

Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section ABSTRACT: PROJECT 3 Research Study 3 (Resilient Roots) is integrated into the TRANSFORM Center to promote translation of research findings into clinical interventions, to inform the next generation of research on child abuse and neglect (CAN), and to facilitate dissemination of research and practice knowledge/skills to varied stakeholders. The research utilizes a developmental psychopathology perspective, incorporating multiple methods within a lifespan framework and implementation science approach. Exposure to CAN frequently results in long-term detrimental effects on mental health. For youth from high-risk communities, these negative sequelae are compounded by the effects of additional socioecological stress that may further undermine their wellbeing and adaptive functioning. Some youth are disproportionately represented within Child Protective Services and child welfare systems and yet less likely to receive mental health services. Although evidence-based trauma treatments to address the effects of CAN, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) broadly speaking, they are not designed to address the specific challenges that youth from socioecological contexts with multiple risk factors along with CAN experiences face in counteracting both PTSD and additional stress. Incorporating support for families in enhancing socialization and coping skills specific to addressing stress and trauma has relevance for public health. Determining best practices for enhancing TF-CBT with socialization components is urgently needed to address these gaps and provide optimal intervention for this population. A RE-AIM/PRISM framework (including Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance with emphasis on contextual factors at multiple levels of the implementation setting) will incorporate stakeholder perspectives and evaluate enhancements to TF-CBT, while identifying barriers and facilitators to implementation to guide future larger-scale trials.