Young People's Perspectives on Parents Helping Young People Exposed to Trauma
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| Title: | Young People's Perspectives on Parents Helping Young People Exposed to Trauma |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Emily Berger (ORCID |
| Source: | Child & Youth Care Forum. 2025 54(1):1-19. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Trauma, Parent Role, Parenting Styles, Coping, Adolescents, Psychological Patterns, Emotional Response, Parent Child Relationship, Counseling, Mental Health, Foreign Countries, Well Being |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10566-024-09807-7 |
| ISSN: | 1053-1890 1573-3319 |
| Abstract: | Background: The prevalence of trauma among young people is alarming due to its considerable effects on their wellbeing and development. Parents can provide crucial support for young people exposed to trauma, however, there is limited research on how parents can help young people exposed to trauma from a youth perspective. Objective: This study explored the perspectives of young people regarding strategies and approaches parents can take to assist young people to cope with traumatic events. Methods: An anonymous online survey created in Australia was distributed to young people aged 15 to 18 years to identify what parents can do to help young people exposed to trauma. A total of 159 young people completed the survey. Results: Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that young people felt parents could listen to and validate the experiences of young people and provide them with help and guidance. Young people recommended that parents should support those who have experience trauma by adopting a non-confrontational, empathetic, and understanding approach, and refrain from expressing anger, judgment, dismissiveness, ridicule, or blame. Young people also recommended parents encourage, empower, and provide guidance to young people exposed to trauma. Participants spoke about the importance of parents spending time with young people and ensuring that young people have access to mental health support. However, participants highlighted that parents should not pressure young people to engage in counselling. Conclusions: Implications from this study emphasise the importance of education and resources to help parents support, promote recovery and prevent further harm and re-traumatisation of young people exposed to trauma. This study has implications for mental health professionals working with parents to help them effectively support young people exposed to trauma. Results from this study inform the development of trauma-informed parenting programs to ensure that young people exposed to trauma receive adequate parental support. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1460475 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Background: The prevalence of trauma among young people is alarming due to its considerable effects on their wellbeing and development. Parents can provide crucial support for young people exposed to trauma, however, there is limited research on how parents can help young people exposed to trauma from a youth perspective. Objective: This study explored the perspectives of young people regarding strategies and approaches parents can take to assist young people to cope with traumatic events. Methods: An anonymous online survey created in Australia was distributed to young people aged 15 to 18 years to identify what parents can do to help young people exposed to trauma. A total of 159 young people completed the survey. Results: Qualitative thematic analysis revealed that young people felt parents could listen to and validate the experiences of young people and provide them with help and guidance. Young people recommended that parents should support those who have experience trauma by adopting a non-confrontational, empathetic, and understanding approach, and refrain from expressing anger, judgment, dismissiveness, ridicule, or blame. Young people also recommended parents encourage, empower, and provide guidance to young people exposed to trauma. Participants spoke about the importance of parents spending time with young people and ensuring that young people have access to mental health support. However, participants highlighted that parents should not pressure young people to engage in counselling. Conclusions: Implications from this study emphasise the importance of education and resources to help parents support, promote recovery and prevent further harm and re-traumatisation of young people exposed to trauma. This study has implications for mental health professionals working with parents to help them effectively support young people exposed to trauma. Results from this study inform the development of trauma-informed parenting programs to ensure that young people exposed to trauma receive adequate parental support. |
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| ISSN: | 1053-1890 1573-3319 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10566-024-09807-7 |
