Behavior Analysts' Training and Practice Regarding Trauma-Informed Care

Abstract

Discussion of trauma and trauma-informed practices continues to be elusive in behavior analytic research despite the consideration that 60% of men and 50% of women in the general public are estimated to experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes (National Center for PTSD, 2023). In addition, it is estimated that, beyond post-traumatic stress disorder, an estimated 61% of adults have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention [CDC], 2019). It is clear from these statistics that neither trauma nor adverse experiences are uncommon. Further, these individual histories often affect future behavioral functioning, potentially resulting in the referral of the individual for behavioral services. The current study surveyed Board Certified Behavior Analysts to assess behavior analysts' current practices and perceptions of trauma-related concepts and to offer insight into how behavior analysts perceive their competence in this area of diversity. Descriptive and Ordinary Least Squares regression analyses were conducted to identify the perceptions and relationships between training and understanding of trauma-informed practices. The majority of respondents reported that training on trauma-related concepts is extremely important, yet further reported having little-to-no training on trauma-related concepts across their graduate coursework, fieldwork supervision, or continuing education. Implications and future research are discussed.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40617-023-00836-7.

Keywords: Behavior analysis; Behavior analyst; Trauma; Trauma-informed care.