Date

5-16-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Debra Perez

Keywords

sexual trauma, trauma-informed institution, Midwest church leaders, confidence, competence

Disciplines

Christianity | Counseling

Abstract

This quantitative study investigates the interconnectedness of confidence and competence within the context of Midwest church leaders in addressing survivors of sexual trauma. Sexual Trauma encompasses crimes like sexual assault, rape, and sexual abuse, and it presents complex challenges within faith communities. This research employs an ordinal logistic regression, combining a survey instrument to assess leaders' confidence, known as the Readiness to Work with Trauma-Exposed Patients (RTEPS), and a comprehensive tool to measure competence, referred to as the Trauma-Informed Care Questionnaire (TICQ). Additionally, demographic factors, including race, age, gender, denomination, previous trauma training, and years of ministry experience, are analyzed to understand their influence on church leaders' confidence and competence in addressing sexual trauma. Participants included Midwest church leaders who had at least one experience with a survivor of sexual trauma. Results found no significant relationship between the competence and confidence levels of Midwest church leaders in addressing sexual trauma. However, age, denomination, and previous trauma training significantly impact leaders' confidence. While age, gender, and denomination significantly impact leaders’ competence. This study informs future research and equips church leaders with valuable insights to effectively serve survivors of sexual trauma. This aligns with the growing body of research on trauma-informed institutions, advancing the understanding of how church leaders perceive and respond to trauma survivors.

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