A proposed model for evaluating the impact of participating in trauma-focused research

Abstract

This article describes the development of a model for assessing levels of risk in trauma-focused research, with evidence for the empirical validity of the model being provided by findings from a study of 438 undergraduate students who participated in a survey regarding past-year exposure to intimate partner violence. A minor increase in risk over minimal risk was found to constitute the modal risk category, with evidence for the empirical validity of the model being provided by the fact that levels of risk assessed by the model were associated with anticipated decreases in the proportion of positive cost–benefit ratios, with different levels of risk being predicted by a unique constellation of risk factors. These findings are discussed with respect to their implications for further research and in relation to the way in which the impact of trauma-focused research is conceptualised.