A Scoping Review of the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM)

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Clinical Interventions

Background:

• Interpersonal trauma is linked to adverse biopsychosocial outcomes.
• Integrated treatments for trauma, mental health, and substance use are more effective for women.
• The Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM) is a recognized integrated trauma group therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the empirical literature on the effectiveness of TREM.
• To provide an understanding of TREM's impact on women with trauma histories.
• To identify areas for future research in trauma recovery interventions.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review guided by PRISMA-ScR methodology.
• Systematic literature search across six major databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, etc.).
• Inclusion of peer-reviewed articles and quantitative dissertations reporting TREM outcomes for adult women.

Main Results:

• TREM demonstrated statistically significant reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, psychological distress, and substance use.
• Preliminary findings suggest TREM may also enhance self-esteem, relationship power, social support, attachment, and spiritual well-being.
• Nine studies reporting on TREM were identified from 385 initial publications.

Conclusions:

• TREM is an effective integrated intervention for women with trauma histories, showing benefits across multiple domains.
• Replication with larger, diverse samples and randomized designs is needed.
• Further research should explore optimal TREM duration and key change-facilitating components.