Peace and Conflict: Journal of Peace Psychology, Vol 31(1), Feb 2025, 8-14; doi:10.1037/pac0000770
Trauma has been named a public health concern due to its prevalence and long-lasting effects on its victims (Collins et al., 2010). Consequently, the popularity and ability to enhance youth development through sport is becoming a notable field where trauma-responsive practices should be applied. Utilizing Trauma Matters Delaware’s (2021) organizational transition to the trauma-responsiveness continuum, the researchers explored six administrators’ and coaches’ experiences around their professional training in trauma responsiveness within a sport for development program. Researchers identified six themes from the interviews which were then aligned with the trauma-responsiveness continuum: (a) Understanding Challenges (Awareness); (b) Inspirational Mentorship (Sensitive); (c) Consistent, Deliberate Training Content (Sensitive); (d) Safety (Responsive); (e) Connection and Longevity (Responsive); and (f) Community Engagement (Informed). Recommendations are provided for researchers, practitioners, and trauma-informed instructors to utilize within other sport-based trauma-informed programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)