This study examines the trauma experiences, trauma-related sequels, and resilience features of a sample of Canadian youth residing in residential care facilities. Additionally, authors explore the relationship between gender and trauma.
A convenience sample (n=53) of youth aged 14 to 17 was recruited from six child welfare residential care facilities for participation in the study. Measures of trauma, trauma symptoms, and resiliency of the youth revealed high rates of experiencing maltreatment and neglect. Girls were more likely to report sexual abuse and to exhibit sexual concerns, posttraumatic stress, and dissociation symptoms than their male counterparts.
Multiple forms of trauma were related to higher clinical levels of depression, anger, posttraumatic stress, and dissociation, as well as to lower individual, relational, and community resilience features.