Journal article
More than therapy: The link between adverse childhood experiences, social support, and therapeutic services
Child & family social work, Vol.25(3), pp.683-693
08/2020
DOI: 10.1111/cfs.12745
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a cumulative effect on physical, emotional, and social well‐being throughout the life course. ACEs also impact parenting practices, which may contribute to intergenerational cycles of trauma. Access to child mental health services and caregiver social support are two protective factors that may reduce the burden of ACEs. To advance understanding of the relationships between caregiver social support and child mental health services among caregivers with ACEs, we interviewed 13 caregivers of young children receiving outpatient mental health services. Thematic analysis revealed the integral role of therapeutic providers in the social support circles of caregivers with high ACE scores. Caregivers frequently named therapeutic providers as the first point of contact in a problem situation. Implications for social work research, clinical practice, and advocacy are discussed. Highlights Our qualitative analysis demonstrates five overarching themes related to social support and access to therapeutic services: (a) strong relationships with therapeutic providers, (b) the importance of service referrals by clinical providers, (c) high positive regard for therapeutic providers, (d) the value of support from clinical providers in times of crisis, and (e) the complexity of family service use. A majority of the caregivers in this sample had an adverse childhood experience (ACE) score of 4 or more (n = 7), and most reported having at least some children in their household with ACEs. Parental divorce or separation was the most common caregiver ACE, followed by witnessing neighbourhood violence and psychological or sexual abuse. Caregivers reported multiple family members receiving multiple services, often in multiple settings or locations. Despite some barriers to services, like waiting list or insurance, caregivers reported high praise and appreciation for access to services and therapeutic providers. In fact, providers were often listed as important members of caregivers' social networks. In contrast, informal support systems were small and unstable. Most caregivers followed a complex path to services for their children. They often received multistep or multisource referrals to services from friends or family, community agencies, schools, or medical professionals.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- More than therapy: The link between adverse childhood experiences, social support, and therapeutic services
- Creators
- Megan Ronnenberg - University of IowaAislinn Conrad - University of IowaArmeda Stevenson Wojciak - University of IowaElizabeth Menninga - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Child & family social work, Vol.25(3), pp.683-693
- DOI
- 10.1111/cfs.12745
- ISSN
- 1356-7500
- eISSN
- 1365-2206
- Number of pages
- 11
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 08/2020
- Academic Unit
- International Programs; School of Social Work; Center for Social Science Innovation; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); Psychological and Quantitative Foundations; Political Science
- Record Identifier
- 9983983347802771
Metrics
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