The Protective Role of Trauma Informed Attitudes on Perceived Stress Among Teachers and School Staff

Trauma-informed care (TIC), a system of behavioral treatment practices that focuses on understanding and responding to the effects of adverse experiences via empathic and non-punitive interactions, is a promising intervention for the treatment of academic and mental health problems among youth. However, the effect of TIC on caregivers themselves is uncertain. Even less is known about the relationship between TIC and the well-being of teachers and school staff. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between exposure to criminal victimization (a known predictor of stress), attitudes toward TIC, and perceived stress among a sample of public school teachers and staff members (N = 396). In line with our predictions, increased victimization was associated with increased perceived stress whereas TIC-favorable attitudes were associated with decreased perceived stress. In addition, older participants exhibited lower perceived stress than younger participants. We discuss the current study’s limitations and the implications of the current findings for future research and mental health practice in schools.