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Abstract
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A growing body of research points to the benefits of taking a trauma-informed approach when building systems and delivering services at a state and community level. The original adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) study demonstrated the significant links between trauma and a full range of negative health outcomes [1]. The links between trauma and suicide are particularly robust.
Research tells us that a child who has experienced at least four adverse childhood experiences is 15 times more likely to attempt suicide, three times more likely to suffer from depression, and four times more likely to excessively use alcohol and other substances [2]. With suicide being the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24 in 1999-2000 [3], the importance of preventing and treating trauma is clear.
Resilience and protective factors are key elements of trauma-informed approaches. Resilience is traditionally defined as a process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threat to well-being, or significant stress [4]. While resilience is often referenced as an individual trait, there are many different layers of resilience, including individual-level, family-level, organizational-level, and community-level resilience. Community-level resilience is a "dynamic process at the community and systems level in which communities respond and adapt to stresses and challenges" [5]. Key attributes include a community response that: a) promotes safe, secure, and nurturing environments for all; and b) draws on interconnected social networks and coordinated, easy-to-access, and comprehensive resources that help communities thrive [5].
The science is clear that resilience is built [6], and that protective experiences and adaptive skills can counteract trauma and adversity experienced. These resilience strategies occur across systems and across the lifespan. Trauma and resilience are not opposites: they are both unique bodies of science that require our active attention if we are to collectively build safe, secure, and nurturing families and communities...
Language: en |