Gay-related stress occurs when gay men and lesbians must deal with stressors that are unique to their sexual orientation. This research examined the relationship of gay-related stress and life events to depressive symptoms. Other potential predictors of depressive symptoms were also considered (internalized homophobia, stigma consciousness, and openness about sexual orientation). A sample of 204 (110 men, and 91 women, three sex-unspecified) gay/lesbian/bisexual individuals completed a packet of self-report measures. The importance of the construct of gay-related stress was demonstrated by explaining independent variance in depressive symptoms compared to variance explained by life stress. Those who reported more severe life stress and more severe gay-related stress also reported more depressive symptoms. Also, gay-related stress and stigma consciousness were independent predictors of depressive symptoms. Those with more severe gay-related stress and more stigma consciousness reported more depressive symptoms. Our results suggest that the construct of gay-related stress is important to understanding the experiences of gay/lesbian/bisexual individuals

Child maltreatment is a serious public health concern, and its detrimental effects can be compounded by traumatic experiences associated with the child welfare (CW) system. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a promising strategy for addressing traumatized children's needs, but research on the impact of TIC in CW is limited. This study examines initial findings of the Massachusetts Child Trauma Project, a statewide TIC initiative in the CW system and mental health network. After 1 year of implementation, Trauma-Informed Leadership Teams in CW offices emerged as key structures for TIC systems integration, and mental health providers' participation in evidence-based treatment (EBT) learning collaboratives was linked to improvements in trauma-informed individual and agency practices. After approximately 6 months of EBT treatment, children had fewer posttraumatic symptoms and behavior problems compared to baseline. Barriers to TIC that emerged included scarce resources for trauma-related work in the CW agency and few mental providers providing EBTs to young children. Future research might explore variations in TIC across service system components as well as the potential for differential effects across EBT models disseminated through TIC.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

BACKGROUND: Research indicates that childhood trauma is a pervasive, global, healthcare crisis with a majority (68%) of children having experienced exposure to traumatic events. 1 Youth who have multiple exposures to violence or victimization are at higher risk for mental health problems, behavioral problems, substance abuse, and delinquent behaviors, often resulting in their involvement with the court system. 2,3,4,5 The majority of children who experience traumatic events are seen first by their pediatricians, schools, or courts and law enforcement before being referred for trauma assessment/treatment. By training professionals in these groups, the University of Massachusetts Medical School Child Trauma Training Center (UMMS-CTTC) aims to identify and improve access for children who would benefit from evidence-based trauma-focused treatment, specifically, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). 6 MISSION: The UMMS Child Trauma Training Center mission is to improve the identification of trauma and increase trauma-sensitive care and access to evidence-based trauma-focused treatment for at-risk and underserved populations in Central and Western Massachusetts, including court-involved youth and military families, ages 6 to 18 years.