Exploring Factors that Buffer the Impact of Early Childhood Trauma on Maternal Self Efficacy

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) create a ripple effect of toxic stress that can span generations, particularly in marginalized communities. These experiences, compounded by systemic barriers like poverty and racism, perpetuate cycles of trauma, increasing health disparities and burdening healthcare systems. However, parenthood offers a unique opportunity to disrupt this cycle, as building maternal resilience can positively impact family and community health. My work with MotherWise Colorado, a nonprofit supporting low-income and trauma-affected parents, explores this potential through community-based participatory research aimed at promoting maternal self- efficacy and resilience.

MotherWise Colorado provides prenatal and postnatal education, parenting workshops, counseling, and resources to empower parents navigating the challenges of motherhood. My project partners with this organization to identify protective factors that disrupt the intergenerational transmission of trauma. Through my role as a student therapist, I have witnessed how impactful trauma-informed interventions are in promoting maternal and family health. These experiences inspired my research, which integrates community feedback and clinical insights to design equitable, evidence-based strategies that address the root causes of adversity.

A key component of this project is offering informational workshops for therapists at MotherWise. These workshops equip therapists with the tools to support clients during the perinatal period, focusing on building resilience and fostering healthy coping mechanisms. By incorporating therapist feedback through focus group discussions, the project ensures interventions are tailored to community needs and are both actionable and sustainable. These efforts not only enhance clinical practices but also contribute to the academic understanding of maternal health and trauma.

The findings from this work will be shared through publications and presentations to amplify their impact. Beyond academic dissemination, the project prioritizes translating research into actionable changes in clinical and policy practices. For example, insights from the workshops inform trauma-informed care training, resource allocation, and interdisciplinary collaboration within MotherWise and similar organizations.

This experience has profoundly shaped my personal, professional, and academic growth. It has reinforced my commitment to integrating equity-driven, trauma-informed approaches into research and clinical practice. By centering the voices of underserved communities, this project highlights the transformative potential of collaboration, resilience, and community-based solutions.