The Traumatic Impact of Community Violence Exposure on Children: Perceptions and Experiences of School Mental Health Workers in Trinidad

This qualitative study explores the perceptions and experiences of school mental health personnel who support children living in communities with high levels of community violence in Trinidad. This study aims to gain insight into the type/s and frequency of community violence children are exposed to, the possible trauma symptoms observed, and the interventions used to respond to these children through the experiences of these school mental health workers. Eight school mental health workers (5 school social workers and three guidance counselors/officers) were interviewed via Zoom using semi-structured interviews. The audio recordings from the interviews were transcribed and are being analyzed using thematic analysis for this phenomenological study. The findings will inform future interventions and provide more information to inform intervention, practice, and policy.