Social Work
Purpose of the study
This study looks into the interpersonal complex trauma and mental health in children and adolescents placed under foster care. The research looks deeper into the histories of such traumas as many Child Welfare Systems do not usually screen for instances of trauma exposure. The study also examines complex trauma exposure in children and adolescents.
The gap in research
According to records, it is certain that child welfare systems hardly screen for instances of trauma exposure including those for the complex trauma (Ford et al., 26). The other area of concern is that to do with many terms used to describe complex traumas, maltreatment, interpersonal trauma as well as victimization experiences (English et al, 39). In instances where there is duality meaning there has been the risk if ambiguity which has hindered any clarity. This ambiguity has always affected the conceptual and methodological techniques in previous researches. This research will also address this gap.
Further, most organizations which work with traumatized youths, only study forms of reactions such as behavior and emotions, but forget to address the symptoms specific to certain traumas and their links.
Findings/Research results
The research found out that youth who had experienced complex trauma were at a higher risk. The findings thus, show that there is need to identify subgroups in the whole system that needs specific attention. It was also found that maltreatment is quite prevalent. Neglect tops the list of forms of maltreatment.
Future Research
The research established several areas for future research. First of all is finding the best way of defining the various traumas. Currently, there is the problem of using many terms to describe similar traumas; something that brings about total confusion. Secondly, there is need to look for specific reactions that go with specific groups as earlier seen.
Works cited
English, D. J., Bangdiwala, S. I., & Runyan, D. K. (2005). The dimensions of maltreatment:
Introduction. Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(5), 441– 460.Print.
Ford, J. D., Wasser, T., & Connor, D. F. (2011). Identifying and determining the symptom
severity associated with polyvictimization among psychiatrically impaired children in an
outpatient setting. Child Maltreatment, 16, 216– 226.Print.
