Major physical trauma and resilience in children and adolescents (v1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Predictors of resilience in children and adolescents who have experienced major physical trauma: Working towards a systemic model of resilience
IRAS ID
218255
Contact name
Julie Van Vuuren
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 20 days
Research summary
Data from England and Wales’ Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN, 2012) reported that 737 children sustained severe injuries classified as major trauma (serious and often multiple injuries that have a high chance of causing death or disability) that year; many of whom develop complex neurological and physical problems which often require long-term care.
In clinical practice, many young people and their families appear to have significant difficulties adjusting to the trauma, however, others seem to demonstrate higher levels of resilience (i.e. positive adjustment to their trauma/injury). There is a growing body of literature focusing on resilience in children. However, there is a significant paucity of research into what predicts resilience in young people in a major physical trauma setting and therefore how to foster this in interventions to support those who do experience more difficulties.
The proposed study aims to establish which variables are most associated with resilience in children and adolescents who have experienced major physical trauma and to develop a model for understanding resilience in this population in order to inform interventions for young people and their families experiencing difficulties in adjusting.
Children and adolescents, aged 11 – 18 years, accessing the Major Trauma Centres at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester, will be invited to participate in the study. They will be asked to complete self-report questionnaires measuring the current impact of the event, family functioning, social support and resilience.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 5
REC reference
17/WS/0033
Date of REC Opinion
24 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion