Trauma, Family and Work

Personal and family problems can have a major impact on an individual's performance at work. Offering employees and their families the opportunity to assess and address problems can lead to a happier and more productive workforce. Many employees value employee assistance programs as a component of their healthcare benefits. One of the most prevalent problems that impacts people in today's society is the impact of traumatic events.

Trauma experience is more common that one might think. For example, ninety-five percent of Army soldiers have had the traumatic experience of seeing a dead bodies or remains. Thirty percent of women experience sexual assault in their life. Another thirty percent of women are assaulted at some time into their life by a partner. In addition there is the trauma people experience from financial losses, downsizing and the threat of unemployment. The majority of people recover from traumatic incidents and go back to a normal, healthy life. However, for others the results include depression and anxiety, substance abuse and other life effecting symptoms. With appropriate services including education and counseling, survivors of traumatic events can learn to focus on their inner strength and the experience can for some, be empowering.

Trauma and trauma response encompasses a wide range of situations and resultant problems. There is a diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) dedicated to trauma. The DSM defines trauma as an event that threatens or cases actual physical harm or death. Using this definition, it becomes obvious that everyone experiences some form of trauma into their life. Traumas can include assault, combat, death of a loved one and disasters .

Reaction and responses to trauma impacts the individual in physical and psychological ways. The trauma experienced directly by one family member often has an impact on the family as a whole. The impact of the trauma often results in the need for increased family support and understanding. Close trusting relationships can make all the difference in how a person responds to and recovers from trauma. The family can help the person heal. Family education on trauma reactions can prepare the family members for the possible reactions and can teach them how to support their family member. The survivor whose family has participated in an education process can be more comfortable knowing that the family is prepared and supportive. In a sense the ice has been broken and the person may as a result, feel more free to ask for help and support.

The National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) develops and disseminates information on family well-being and relationships. The organization has identified ten content areas. Content area one is titled "Families in Society". This area includes work and family relationships. The area is for programs and information that focuses on understanding how personal issues including trauma, can impact the family and the individual survivors work.

Most families are dependent on work to provide the financial support necessary, so educational programs aimed at improving family functions can result in improved work performance. An important part of any educational programs is the inclusion of cultural variations. The family education series is offered to all employees. Special areas of education and assessment including trauma, are advertised. Assessment services are offered to individuals who contact the program coordinator for information. If the assessment determines that the employee or a family member has been the victim of a traumatic event, the family education program will be explained and offered. For those who are interested in participation in a structured process, group sessions will be held weekly for a period of 4-6 weeks. Weekly sessions will focus on educating participants on the following areas; defining and identifying trauma, typical responses to trauma, how to support a loved one following a trauma, how to recognize when professional help is needed, cultural differences in trauma response, the effects of trauma on family dynamics, hope for recovery and positive outcomes .

The educational program will also include written information in the company newsletter and presentations at staff meetings. This approach ensures that all employees get some basic information and those that need more services, have the availability of short term educational group at work. Referrals for those needing professional help will be provided.

The program is based on empirical evidence that the approach work. Employees will be surveyed pre and post this educational experience to determine if they have gained information they value and if they have found the program helpful. For those who participate in the group sessions, use of sick and personal days will be measured, to determine if unscheduled time off decreases as a result of this educational program.

References

Association, A. P. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Washington: APA.

Cassidy, D. B. (n.d.). University of Curiculuum Guidelines in Family Life Education. Minnesota National Council on Family Relations , 12-14.

French, M. (1997). Factors that influence the use and perceptions of employee assistance programs. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology , 312-324.

Michelle Sherman, P. (2008). Trauma and the Military Family. Social Work Today , 36.

Wise, E. (1998). Group therapy needs assessment with employee assistance programs. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice , 56-58.