2025 Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation
Abstract
Research on complex trauma has expanded our understanding of the impact of repeated exposure to maltreatment and adversity in childhood or adolescence on adult mental health outcomes. Despite this expansion of knowledge, there is still much to explore on the impact of complex trauma throughout the lifespan as researchers and clinicians work to craft interventions that address the impacts of complex trauma. Given the notable and heightened impact of childhood exposure to adversity among African Americans, this population may be especially prone to experience relational difficulties later in life. The proposed phenomenological study seeks to further explore the impact of complex trauma on self-efficacy beliefs in romantic relationships. This study will recruit ten individuals, ages 18-25, who identify African American as one of their racial identity groups to explore a cavernous gap in the current complex trauma literature. Recruited participants will complete semi-structured interviews assessing the impact of complex trauma on beliefs about one’s ability to engage in and sustain romantic relationships. The potential findings may increase the understanding of how emerging adults cope with complex trauma and how this coping influences relational well-being.
Start Date
3-22-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
3-22-2025 4:20 PM
Location
McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room J
R.E.A.C.T.: Relationship Efficacy and Complex Trauma
McGregor Memorial Conference Center, Room J
Research on complex trauma has expanded our understanding of the impact of repeated exposure to maltreatment and adversity in childhood or adolescence on adult mental health outcomes. Despite this expansion of knowledge, there is still much to explore on the impact of complex trauma throughout the lifespan as researchers and clinicians work to craft interventions that address the impacts of complex trauma. Given the notable and heightened impact of childhood exposure to adversity among African Americans, this population may be especially prone to experience relational difficulties later in life. The proposed phenomenological study seeks to further explore the impact of complex trauma on self-efficacy beliefs in romantic relationships. This study will recruit ten individuals, ages 18-25, who identify African American as one of their racial identity groups to explore a cavernous gap in the current complex trauma literature. Recruited participants will complete semi-structured interviews assessing the impact of complex trauma on beliefs about one’s ability to engage in and sustain romantic relationships. The potential findings may increase the understanding of how emerging adults cope with complex trauma and how this coping influences relational well-being.