Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.” (SAMSHA, 2014)
Current best practices in the human services field advocate for incorporating trauma-informed approaches, including within direct services, throughout the organization. The intent is to prevent re-traumatization of individuals (both staff and clients) by recognizing the prevalence and impact of trauma, building strong relationships in a safe and supportive environment, and supporting well-being despite a history of adversity.
This study will assess community members’ knowledge of interpersonal trauma and its impacts and the extent to which any services they received from an agency were trauma-informed. The study will also assess the knowledge and implementation of trauma-informed practices among staff and leadership at various human service agencies across Utah.
Lead Researcher: Dr. Vonda Jump-Norman, Vonda.jump@usu.edu
67%
of Utah adults have experienced significant adversity.
50%
of Utah’s children have experienced significant adversity.
Co-lnvestigators: Dr. Dorothy Wallis, Dr. Jayme Walters, Dr. Maureen Boyle, Dr. Veronica Timbers (Social Work/TCI)
Lead Student Research Assistant: Kaitlyn Line
Student Researchers: Social Work Junior Class (about 90 students) & Foundation Master of Social Work Class (about 20 students)
These individuals have independently donated their time and expertise to co-design and implement this project. Their participation is personal and does not necessarily represent or imply endorsement by their employers or affiliated organizations.
Keri Jones-Fonnesbeck, Trauma Informed Utah
Matthew Wappett, Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (UCEDD)
Dr. William Cosgrove, retired
Jonathan Crane, Northeastern Counseling
Les Harris, Utah Foster Care
Project Information
Calling all community members!
Share your knowledge about trauma and the impact of trauma in a 15 minute survey for a USU research study.
Participants must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Live in Utah
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD.
- Bruce, M. M., Kassam-Adams, N., Rogers, M., Anderson, K. M., Sluys, K. P., & Richmond, T. S. (2018). Trauma providers' knowledge, views, and practice of trauma-informed care. Journal of Trauma Nursing: The Official Journal of the Society of Trauma Nurses, 25(2), 131–138. https://doi.org/10.1097/JTN.0000000000000356
- Utah Department of Health. (2024, March 15). IBIS-PH - Health Indicator Report – Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). https://ibis.utah.gov/ibisph-view/indicator/view/ACEs.Type5.html