Addressing Identity Disruption and Displacement Through a Culturally Responsive Ecological Model of Trauma Assessment

Abstract

Identity is complex and embodies cultural, social, and place identity. These three parts of identity connect to an individual’s sense of belonging in the world. Identity disruption or identity displacement can occur when trauma happens related to one’s culture. Current methods of assessment fail to recognize the role of disruption or displacement among marginalized populations. Furthermore, current validated trauma assessments are often not generalizable to racial and ethnic minorities. The primary aim of this conceptual paper is to provide guidelines for the inclusion of identity-based factors in culturally responsive trauma assessment. The secondary aim is to discuss culturally responsive trauma assessment approaches, which include an exploration of identity disruption and displacement as a dimension of adverse experiences. A culturally responsive, ecological approach to trauma assessment is then introduced with implications for social work education, practice, policy, and research