A Community-Based Model for Trauma Recovery in Young Adults

Authors: Amanda Fialk (PhD), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C Brianna Cerrito (BA), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C Karee Jones (BA), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C Alexa Connors (LMSW), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C Amie DiTomasso (LGSW), The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C Zoe Weinberg, The Dorm, New York City and Washington, D.C Frank D. Buono (PhD) Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT

Date: March 2023

Presented at the American Psychopathological Association Annual Meeting (New York City)

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Introduction

Healing from trauma often requires more than individual therapy and depends on connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging. This study examined how community integration and self-efficacy relate to trauma recovery among young adults participating in a holistic, intensive outpatient mental health treatment program at The Dorm.

Summary of Findings

Results demonstrated that greater community integration was significantly associated with reductions in trauma symptoms. Participation in social clubs, peer groups, and shared community activities consistently correlated with improved recovery outcomes. Skill-building across both interpersonal and intrapersonal domains, particularly improvements in self-efficacy, also emerged as key contributors to trauma recovery.

These findings highlight the effectiveness of a holistic, community-driven treatment model in which therapeutic impact is reinforced through real-world connection and social engagement. For young adults navigating trauma, fostering belonging and self-efficacy appears to be as critical to sustained recovery as traditional clinical interventions.

Report for a community-based model of mental health treatment for young adults with self-reported trauma

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