Date of Paper

5-2018

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Rajean Moone

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

This is a qualitative research study that examined professionals’ perceptions of effective interventions for adults with psychotic disorders who have experienced childhood trauma. The participants of the study were obtained through a snowball technique. The first participant’s information was given to the researcher through the research committee. The researcher then asked every participant to provide the contact information of another professional who fit the research criteria. In total, there were six professionals who were either clinical social workers, clinical psychologists or licensed marriage and family therapists. The data was obtained through structured, in person interviews with each of these professionals. The overall finding of the research was that there is no difference in the effectiveness of interventions for adults with psychotic disorders who have experienced childhood trauma versus those who have not. However, there were many themes found from the research study regarding working with adults who have psychotic disorders including: there is a relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis, there are some interventions that are more effective than others, there are some interventions that are less effective, antipsychotics are helpful, psychoeducation is necessary, normalization and stigma recognition are important and cognitive remediation therapy is great, but unavailable. Additionally, implications for the social work profession and social work education are discussed including the need for more education about psychosis, etc.

Included in

Social Work Commons

COinS