Trauma-Informed Organizational Dynamics and Client Outcomes in Concurrent Disorder Treatment

Abstract

Purpose: To test an empirical model of the effects of a trauma-informed organizational environment on service user outcomes in the context of concurrent disorder treatment. Methods: Service users ( n = 172) were surveyed while in treatment to determine the effects of trauma-informed organizational dynamics (i.e., safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment) on service user intrapersonal development outcomes (i.e., self-awareness, outlook, coping ability, self-worth, and self-determination) and improvements with concurrent disorder behaviors. After testing for validity and reliability of latent factors, data were analyzed using multivariate analysis. Results: As a concise analytical model, the trauma-informed organizational environment was found to significantly positively predict all service user intrapersonal outcomes as well as a reduction in concurrent disorder behaviors. Conclusions: This study informs developments in the design and implementation of trauma-informed practice frameworks for concurrent disorder treatment and emphasizes the importance of adapting organizational environments to support improved client outcomes.