Students' Journey Through a Trauma Studies Educational Program: A Northern Irish Perspective

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a qualitative research study that explored the experiences of part-time students who completed a BSc(Hons) trauma studies program in Northern Ireland. Data collection involved semistructured interviews with seven students. Findings indicated a journey through the program during which students experienced both challenges and opportunities for development. Such challenges included responses to emotive content and barriers to sharing in classroom-based dialogues. Moreover, participants felt the program enhanced their knowledge as well as the supportive services they provided to those who had experienced a trauma. Findings suggest that participants who had experienced a personal trauma appeared to be drawn to this program.

KEYWORDS:

• emotive content
• qualitative
• trauma education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Helen A. H. Sinclair

Helen A. H. Sinclair is a teaching fellow at Queen's University, Belfast, and a registered nurse. Helen was the Programme Coordinator for the BSc(Hons) Psychological Trauma Studies for five years until 2012. Helen's teaching and research interests are in the psychological aspects of care and the area of oncology and palliative care nursing. Helen is currently undertaking Doctoral studies focusing on palliative care.

Jayne Price

Jayne Price is a senior teaching fellow at Queen's University, Belfast, and a registered nurse. Her teaching and research interests focus on caring for children with complex/palliative health care needs and their families. Her doctoral study examined parents' perspectives of caring for a child with a life limiting condition. Jayne and her colleague Patricia McNeilly in 2009 edited a book entitled ‘Palliative care for children and families: an interdisciplinary approach’ with Palgrave.