Increasing Trauma-Informed Awareness and Practice in Higher Education.

BACKGROUND

Traumatic experiences across the lifespan can affect an individual's physical, social, and emotional health and cognitive development. There has been an increased focus on trauma-informed initiatives in various public and health care sectors, but these initiatives are lacking in higher education.

METHOD

A pre-post survey design was used in a trauma-informed professional development session. The survey evaluated educator's knowledge and perceptions of trauma-informed care (TIC) and trauma-informed educational strategies (TIES). Select interviews were then conducted to further analyze knowledge and perception related to TIC and TIES.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated an increase in knowledge of TIC and TIES, as well as an improved ability to support students. P values were statistically significant at <.05.

CONCLUSION

The integration of a trauma-informed professional development session for all educators is the first step in the integration of TIC in higher education and a transition to a trauma-sensitive culture.