TRMA 800 Child Adolescent Trauma Research Design

This course examines the effects of traumatic events as experienced by children and adolescents. Students will examine causative factors and evidence-based (or empirically supported) treatments of trauma and topical areas of trauma to include Attachment Wounds, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Physical and Emotional Abuse and Neglect, Domestic and Community Violence, Traumatic Grief, Complex Trauma, and Emerging Trauma Issues. Students will consider how science informs the delivery of effective counseling theory and technique for these clients with the goal of integrating ethical, effective and biblically grounded care.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Those involved in Trauma work with Children and Adolescents recognize that this is both an emerging and rapidly expanding field of care. Knowledge of the elements of the “Trauma response” and the need for efficacious treatments have created the demand for a course that addresses the types of trauma encountered by Children and Adolescents as well as the various theories, techniques, and best practices related to assisting this population.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion: The Trauma Brain

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, students will critically reflect on a neurobiological concept related to trauma that was particularly meaningful or impactful from the assigned course reading. Through scholarly discussion, students will examine the implications of trauma on brain functioning, integrate current research and biblical perspectives, and engage in professional dialogue with peers regarding the application of neuroscience to trauma-informed practice. Students are also required to respond substantively to a classmate’s post, extending the discussion through additional scholarly and faith-based insights. The thread must be 400–450 words, supported with at least 3 scholarly articles and the Bible. The reply must be 250–300 words, supported with at least 2 scholarly articles and the Bible. All citations must be in APA format.

Discussion: Child and Adolescent Technology and Traumatology Presentation

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, students will develop and deliver a professional, research-based educational presentation on a child and adolescent technology-and-trauma topic for an audience of parents, caregivers, educators, church leaders, or other helping professionals. Building upon prior research, students will synthesize current scholarship, biblical integration, and practical implications into a narrated training presentation that promotes trauma-informed understanding and intervention. The assignment also includes scholarly engagement with peers through discussion and critique of presentation content using additional research and professional dialogue. The presentation must include a minimum of 40 slides and include at least 15 peer-reviewed scholarly sources and the Bible in addition to any information from course textbooks, 

Child and Adolescent Traumatology Topic and Thesis Assignment

Students will identify and refine a focused research topic related to child and adolescent traumatology and a specific population of interest. Through the use of AI-assisted topic exploration, scholarly literature, and critical reflection, students will develop a researchable thesis statement that will serve as the foundation for subsequent assignments in a multi-stage research project. This assignment also encourages evaluation of the benefits and limitations of AI in the research process.

Students will develop a scholarly annotated outline that expands upon their selected child and adolescent traumatology topic and population of interest. The assignment requires synthesis of current research, examination of key variables and population-specific considerations, integration of biblical and faith-based perspectives, and identification of areas for future study. This project serves as a structured foundation for the final research paper while strengthening skills in scholarly analysis, organization, and evidence-based inquiry.

Students will complete a scholarly research paper that examines a focused topic in child and adolescent traumatology within a specific population of interest. Drawing on current empirical literature, students will analyze key variables, population-specific factors, research implications, and evidence-based practices related to the topic. The paper also requires thoughtful integration of biblical and professional perspectives and identification of gaps in the literature to inform future research and practice. The body of the paper should be 10–12 complete pages and must include a minimum of 15 peer-reviewed journal articles published in the last 5 years and cited in APA format. 

Students will develop a scholarly annotated outline examining a focused topic related to technology use, technology exposure, and its relationship to child and adolescent trauma. Using current research, students will analyze a specific population of interest, explore key risk and protective factors, integrate biblical and professional perspectives, and identify directions for future research. This assignment serves as the research foundation for the subsequent educational presentation designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals who support children and adolescents.

Quizzes: Continuing Education Credits (2)

Students will complete approved continuing education training focused on child and adolescent trauma and submit documentation of completion through 2 quizzes. Learners may either complete the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training program or earn the required number of CEUs through selected trauma-related professional development modules. These assignments promote ongoing professional competency by exposing students to evidence-based practices and specialized topics in traumatology while reinforcing lifelong learning and credential development. Each quiz contains 1 file upload question, is limited to 20 minutes, and allows 1 attempt.