Exploring Church Staff Knowledge of Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care

Abstract

Trauma can affect an individual in various ways that differ in severity. Trauma-informed care within church settings can be beneficial to those seeking healing and guidance from the faith community. Drawing on data collected from surveys, the main purpose of this one-shot case study is to examine church staff’s knowledge of trauma and appropriate ways to respond to individuals experiencing or displaying symptoms of trauma. Findings revealed that a majority of staff defined trauma as a negative emotional or psychological experience and identified family dynamics and life events as two key factors contributing to trauma. However, staff desired additional training to enhance their ability to respond appropriately to individuals showing signs of trauma or sharing about a trauma experience. Findings will guide the development of staff training on trauma-informed care within church settings as well as strategies to integrate faith and social work practice in the church setting.