City Research Online

Abstract

Despite growing evidence depicting the importance of trauma-informed practices within mental health services, little is known about Black groups who have experienced complex trauma and their unique experiences of accessing and receiving mental health support. Black communities are disproportionately exposed to various forms of trauma, including systemic and interpersonal violence, with elevated rates of trauma related conditions such as PTSD. In addition to these heightened exposures, Black groups are also more likely to encounter mental health services through adversarial and coercive care pathways, placing them at risk of further trauma and harm. This qualitative study focuses on Black adults with complex trauma by understanding their journeys, experiences, and perceptions of mental health care. Ten in-depth interviews were conducted. Using a thematic narrative analysis approach and underpinned through a critical realist framework, six themes emerged within the data: a fragmented mental health system, alternative support systems, inadequate or inappropriate assessments, overly clinical and medical focuses, cultural matching, and improving person-centred care. The study provides grounded examples of what trauma-informed, culturally responsive care may look like in practice, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of how support systems can better meet the needs of those most often underserved.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC-BY license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Publisher Keywords:	PTSD, Cultural factors, Ethnicity, Access to care, Trauma
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Nursing & Midwifery
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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