Resilience in Women: Disrupting Cascades of Adversity with Trauma-Informed Practice

Trauma, particularly when experienced early in life, but also throughout the life course, has far-reaching and long-lasting negative impacts. There are a host of biological, cognitive, and relational adversities that stem from past traumas and contribute to additional traumatic experiences that accumulate over time. Individuals who are considered “resilient” are those who are able to positively adjust despite experiencing one or more adversities. However, a person’s capacity for resilience is shaped by a variety of complex and interacting factors. Research suggests promoting resilience among adults reduces behavioral risks, but requires intervention programming that (1) increases access to social support and formal services, (2) provides treatment for childhood trauma and other risk factors, and (3) provides a diverse array of individualized intervention options including addiction treatment. The impacts of adversity and trauma can be seen in men and women; however, women may be a uniquely vulnerable group due to experiencing disproportionately high rates of child abuse and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), as well as being particularly susceptible to physical and mental health outcomes. This chapter describes the prevalence and impact of trauma and ACEs on women and outlines strategies for trauma-informed programming to disrupt cascades of adversity and promote resilience.