TRAUMA REPORTING

Research has demonstrated the prevalence of PTSD among specific racial demographics (Roberts et al., 2019), while also showing that social support is vital for those who experience PTSD symptomology, with those who seek it out overcoming the adverse effects of trauma (Jenzer et al., 2020). However, there is very little research that looks into social support seeking in such marginalized groups. The purpose of this study is to understand how identity (e.g., race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, etc.) influences an individual's ability to cope with trauma. Participants will complete an online survey consisting of demographic questions, open-ended questions related to their experiences of trauma and their subsequent coping mechanisms, and a PTSD symptomology screener (Grasso et al., 2019). These results of this study can help practitioners discern whether a person is likely to seek out social support after experiencing trauma, enabling them to develop effective treatment plans. Implications and future directions are discussed. (Faculty Sponsor: Professor Otter Day)