Dr Sarah Halligan (University of Bath) - Child trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder: the role of social context

Following traumatic experiences (e.g., physical or sexual assault, serious accidental injuries, natural disasters), young people are at risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder and other adverse outcomes. For many young people exposed to trauma, psychological services are not available and they must rely on informal sources of support. This talk will consider the factors that influence child psychological adjustment posttrauma, with a focus on the role that families may play in determining outcomes. In addition to studies of relatively low risk UK samples, preliminary work in a high risk international setting will be described.

The Think-Tank seminar series is organised by Heather O’Mahen, Lorna Cook, Matthew Owens-Solari and Matthew Lomas (mdcadmin@exeter.ac.uk).