University Library
  • Login
A gateway to Melbourne's research publications
Minerva Access is the University's Institutional Repository. It aims to collect, preserve, and showcase the intellectual output of staff and students of the University of Melbourne for a global audience.
View Item 
  • Minerva Access
  • Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
  • Melbourne Medical School
  • Paediatrics (RCH)
  • Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications
  • View Item
  • Minerva Access
  • Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences
  • Melbourne Medical School
  • Paediatrics (RCH)
  • Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Community Perspectives of Complex Trauma Assessment for Aboriginal Parents: 'Its Important, butHowThese Discussions Are Held Is Critical'

    Thumbnail
    Download
    Published version (2.012Mb)

    Citations
    Altmetric
    Author
    Chamberlain, C; Gee, G; Gartland, D; Mensah, FK; Mares, S; Clark, Y; Ralph, N; Atkinson, C; Hirvonen, T; McLachlan, H; ...
    Date
    2020-09-15
    Source Title
    Frontiers in Psychology
    Publisher
    FRONTIERS MEDIA SA
    University of Melbourne Author/s
    Brown, Stephanie; Mensah, Fiona; Herrman, Helen; Gee, Graham; Gartland, Deirdre; Brown, Stephanie
    Affiliation
    Paediatrics (RCH)
    General Practice
    Centre for Youth Mental Health
    Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Document Type
    Journal Article
    Citations
    Chamberlain, C., Gee, G., Gartland, D., Mensah, F. K., Mares, S., Clark, Y., Ralph, N., Atkinson, C., Hirvonen, T., McLachlan, H., Edwards, T., Herrman, H., Brown, S. J. & Nicholson, J. M. (2020). Community Perspectives of Complex Trauma Assessment for Aboriginal Parents: 'Its Important, butHowThese Discussions Are Held Is Critical'. FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY, 11, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02014.
    Access Status
    Open Access
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/11343/252599
    DOI
    10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02014
    Abstract
    Background and Purpose: Becoming a parent can be an exciting and also challenging transition, particularly for parents who have experienced significant hurt in their own childhoods, and may be experiencing 'complex trauma.' Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people also experience historical trauma. While the parenting transition is an important time to offer support for parents, it is essential to ensure that the benefits of identifying parents experiencing complex trauma outweigh any risks (e.g., stigmatization). This paper describes views of predominantly Aboriginal stakeholders regarding (1) the relative importance of domains proposed for complex trauma assessment, and (2) how to conduct these sensitive discussions with Aboriginal parents. Setting and Methods: A co-design workshop was held in Alice Springs (Central Australia) as part of an Aboriginal-led community-based participatory action research project. Workshop participants were 57 predominantly Aboriginal stakeholders with expertise in community, clinical, policy and academic settings. Twelve domains of complex trauma-related distress had been identified in existing assessment tools and through community consultation. Using story-telling and strategies to create safety for discussing complex and sensitive issues, and delphi-style methods, stakeholders rated the level of importance of the 12 domains; and discussed why, by whom, where and how experiences of complex trauma should be explored. Main Findings: The majority of stakeholders supported the importance of assessing each of the proposed complex trauma domains with Aboriginal parents. However, strong concerns were expressed regarding where, by whom and how this should occur. There was greater emphasis and consistency regarding 'qualities' (e.g., caring), rather than specific 'attributes' (e.g., clinician). Six critical overarching themes emerged: ensuring emotional and cultural safety; establishing relationships and trust; having capacity to respond appropriately and access support; incorporating less direct cultural communication methods (e.g., yarning, dadirri); using strengths-based approaches and offering choices to empower parents; and showing respect, caring and compassion. Conclusion: Assessments to identify Aboriginal parents experiencing complex trauma should only be considered when the prerequisites of safety, trusting relationships, respect, compassion, adequate care, and capacity to respond are assured. Offering choices and cultural and strengths-based approaches are also critical. Without this assurance, there are serious concerns that harms may outweigh any benefits for Aboriginal parents.

    Export Reference in RIS Format     

    Endnote

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format" and choose "open with... Endnote".

    Refworks

    • Click on "Export Reference in RIS Format". Login to Refworks, go to References => Import References


    Collections
    • Minerva Elements Records [53039]
    • Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences - Research Publications [1220]
    • Centre for Youth Mental Health - Research Publications [605]
    • General Practice - Research Publications [644]
    • Paediatrics (RCH) - Research Publications [2390]
    Minerva AccessDepositing Your Work (for University of Melbourne Staff and Students)NewsFAQs

    BrowseCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects
    My AccountLoginRegister
    StatisticsMost Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors