Post-traumatic growth and trauma-informed care in vocational rehabilitation through the lens of the conservation of resources theory.

Abstract

Trauma has high prevalent rates in populations of people with disabilities, and the effects of traumatic experiences can negatively impact employment. The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature regarding post-traumatic growth (PTG), trauma informed care (TIC), and the conservation of resources (COR) theory. We begin with an overview of PTG, TIC, and trauma in relation to disability and employment. Then, we review the personal, condition, object, and energy resources within the COR theory. The remainder of the article focuses on applying PTG and TIC in State-Federal VR programs with a theoretical framework defined by COR. We conceptualize the application in four major VR phases: (a) eligibility determination, (b) rehabilitation plan development, (c) service provision, and (d) job placement. By implementing TIC and considering the consumer's resources, VR counselors can help emphasize PTG throughout the process and prioritize PTG as the ultimate goal. The authors provide brief and preliminary implementation recommendations for VR counselors.