Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Psychological Wellbeing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Psychological Wellbeing
IRAS ID
166852
Contact name
Kevin Dyer
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Governance Manager, Queen's University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Psychological Wellbeing:
It has been shown that traumatic experiences in childhood and adulthood can negatively impact upon psychological wellbeing in later life. Northern Ireland has the highest known rate of post traumatic stress in the world, including other conflict areas, suggesting that research with people in Northern Ireland may yield particular insights into the processes underlying these psychological reactions to trauma. This study will examine potential factors which may help to explain the relationships between trauma and a range of psychological difficulties including post traumatic stress and depression. Research has suggested that the factors such as compassion and appraisal of trauma may help to explain these relationships, and the present research will evaluate this. It is suggested that appraisals of trauma will mediate the relationship between experiencing cumulative trauma and trauma related distress. It is further predicted that heightened fears of compassion, among those with a history of childhood trauma, will influence the development of the tendency to make negative appraisals of traumatic stressors and relate to poorer outcomes overall.
The sample will consist of individuals who have experienced at least one traumatic event (as defined by DSM-5 criteria), and who are currently receiving treatment for trauma-related distress and/or substance use. Participants will give informed consent, and an anonymous code will be used on their responses to ensure their information remains confidential. Participants will also be offered breaks if required.REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
15/NI/0072
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion