Perceptions of and experiences with trauma-informed care principles among pediatric occupational therapists

Trauma has a profound and lasting impact on individuals. Trauma prevalence continues to rise nationally, yet few health care providers are trained to intervene and address trauma appropriately. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) have a unique role in addressing trauma due to our profession's ability to intervene across the lifespan. This study investigated the education and training OTPs received in trauma-informed care (TIC) practices and their perceptions and confidence levels in utilizing these approaches in practice.

Three hundred twenty-one participants were recruited online using convenience, purposeful, and snowball sampling methods. Participants completed an anonymous 14-question online survey.

The study indicated that over half the participants (51%) felt only moderately confident in applying TIC methods. A substantial percentage (46%) did not learn these practices during their occupational therapy education. For those who did, the training was typically limited to a single chapter or unit, suggesting a need for more in-depth curriculum integration.

The findings of this study highlight the critical need for TIC education and training early in OTPs' careers. While therapists recognize the importance of TIC approaches in their practice, they require additional education and support to integrate these approaches confidently. Addressing this gap through comprehensive TIC education in occupational therapy training programs is essential to enhancing the capacity of OTPs to provide TIC effectively. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).