Trauma Informed Qualitative Research

Date:

12/03/2025

Organised by:

Qualitative Training

Presenter:

Dr Karen Lumsden

Level:

Intermediate (some prior knowledge)

Contact:

Dr Karen Lumsden
karen@qualitativetraining.com

video conference logo

Venue: Online

Description:

Overview:

This live Zoom course introduces participants to the intersection of trauma and qualitative research. It explores the value of a trauma-informed approach and how we incorporate trauma-informed principles into our research. It is appropriate for social researchers and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of trauma-informed research methods and their practical implications.

The course outlines the theoretical frameworks that underpin trauma-based research including categories and types of trauma, trauma responses, and how trauma can influence the research process (including the risks of vicarious trauma, re-traumatisation and participant distress). From study design considerations to data collection methods and analysis techniques, participants will gain insights into how trauma can affect research.

Interactive sessions, case studies, and group discussions provide opportunities for practical application of the principles explored, allowing participants to engage with real-world scenarios and ethical dilemmas encountered in research. We highlight the importance of cultural considerations and inclusivity in conducting trauma-based research, promoting a holistic and respectful approach to data collection and analysis.

By the end of the course, participants will have a detailed understanding of trauma-informed research and how to incorporate these principles into their own qualitative work. They will be equipped with knowledge and tools to ethically and sensitively conduct research with trauma-affected populations.

 

Learning outcomes

· Have an understanding of the principles of trauma-informed research and practice;

· Be able to incorporate trauma-informed principles into their qualitative research (including i.e. study design, data collection, analysis);

· Understand the different categories and types of trauma;

· Understand different trauma responses;

· Be aware of the potential risks in research of: re-traumatisation, vicarious trauma, and participant distress;

· Be aware of the ethical challenges specific to trauma-informed research;

· Practical exercises, case studies, examples and discussions will enable participants to reflect on trauma in social research and begin to practice a trauma-informed approach.

 

Topics

· Principles and theories of trauma-informed practice

· Categories and types of trauma

· Trauma responses

· Principles of trauma-informed response: safety, trust worthiness and transparency, peers support, voice and choice, collaboration and mutuality, empowerment, and cultural issues

· Potential risks: re-traumatisation, vicarious trauma, participant distress

· Research design considerations

· Case studies, examples and practical exercises on trauma-informed research

 

Who should attend?

This advanced course will be of value to researchers who have some experience in qualitative research and are looking to incorporate a trauma-informed approach into their research practice. It will be beneficial for researchers who wish to update their skills and knowledge in relation to research ethics. It is also designed to support those who need to know what to look for when commissioning good quality research. Participants come from diverse academic, social research and policy backgrounds and very diverse topic areas. Knowledge of social research and/or attendance on introductory methods course is advisable (particularly qualitative research courses).

Please note: this is an interactive live course with presentation, group activities, group discussions, and opportunities to ask questions. You should be prepared to participate and have use of camera and mic on Zoom.

 

Trainer biography

Dr Karen Lumsden is a qualitative trainer, consultant and coach, and Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Aberdeen, UK.

She has over 20 years’ experience delivering qualitative methods courses and training to academics, PhD students, social researchers, and practitioners. This includes courses at the Universities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, Essex, Auckland, Kingston, via the Social Research Association and the European Consortium for Political Research, and also for government departments, NHS, charities, police organisations, social research and market research organisations. She has has written and edited a number of books and journal articles on qualitative methods including Crafting Autoethnography (Routledge, 2023) and Reflexivity: Theory, Method, Practice (2019). She is on the Editorial Board of the journal Qualitative Research. Visit www.qualitativertraining.com for full details of services provided to social researchers.

 

Bookings:

Bookings for this course should be made via Eventbrite tickets.

If your organisation needs to pay via invoice please contact me directly to check if this will be possible. I only issue invoices for UK based organisations or individuals. Bookings are only confirmed once payment terms are mutually agreed and confirmed in writing prior to the course date and/or payment has been received. Contact me at: karen@qualitativetraining.com

 

Booking and refund policy:

There is a 14 day 'cooling off' period from the date of booking on this course. The refund policy is 100% refund up to 25 working days prior to the course date. After 25 days the entire fee is payable.

If the course is fully booked and has a waiting list then transfer to another course or future course date might be possible, however this is at the discretion of the trainer.

Please note that Dr Karen Lumsden delivers a range of courses for other training providers in addition to these Qualitative Training courses. She takes no responsibility or liability for individuals booking on similar courses or training with other providers which may contain similar or the same course content. Refunds will not be given under these circumstances once the training has been partly/fully consumed.

Cost:

£140 (discounted PhD student, unwaged rate)
£180 (full rate)

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs (other), Hard to reach populations, Excluded/marginalised populations, Data Collection (other), Sensitive data, Confidentiality and Anonymity, Research Ethics, Research Policy, Research Management and Impact (other), trauma, trauma-informed, ethics, sensitive, sensitivity, vulnerability, risk


Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs (other)
Hard to reach populations
Excluded/marginalised populations
Data Collection (other)
Sensitive data
Confidentiality and Anonymity
Research Ethics
Research Policy
Research Management and Impact (other)

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