Faith-Based Trauma Intervention: Spiritual-Based Strategies for Adolescent Students in Faith-Based Schools

Abstract

A traumatic event can occur at any point in an adolescent’s life. Yet, research suggests that the negative impact of a traumatic event on adolescent’s well-being can be minimized with timely and effective intervention. Careful review of the trauma literature identifies the significance of both community and faith-based intervention in positive post-traumatic recovery. A link has been identified between the use of Christian strategies and a decreased risk of post-traumatic symptoms. However, the literature examined suggests that adolescents may avoid the use of Christian strategies during their recovery because of the effects that their developmental milestones have on their perception of the Christian faith. Based on this research, spiritual based strategies are discussed in an effort to effectively respond to the spiritual and psychological needs of adolescents in faith-based schools in the occasion of a traumatic event. This article outlines literature promoting the significance of Christian-based trauma intervention strategies for adolescents and how social workers can assist school personnel to apply these strategies in the event of a trauma.

KEYWORDS:

• Christianity
• trauma
• adolescents
• school
• post-trauma recovery