References & Evidence-Informed Sources

Below are selected research studies, reviews, and national resources that support the importance of trauma-informed care in middle and high school settings. These can be displayed at the bottom of your webpage as a “References” or “Evidence-Informed” section.

Peer-Reviewed Research

Maynard, B. R., McCrea, K., Pigott, T. D., & Kelly, M. S. (2019).
Effects of trauma-informed approaches in schools: A systematic review. School Mental Health.
This review found that trauma-informed practices can improve student behavior, emotional regulation, and school climate.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8356508/

Avery, J. C., & Walker, K. (2020).
A systematic review of trauma-informed school-wide approaches. School Mental Health.
Highlights growing evidence that TIC improves safety, teacher confidence, and consistency in responses to student behavior.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8357891/

Cohen, C. E., & Barron, I. G. (2021).
Trauma-Informed High Schools: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature. School Mental Health, 13(2), 225–234.
Focuses specifically on secondary schools, identifying benefits such as improved student engagement and stronger staff-student relationships.
Link: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1298485

Wassink-de Stigter, R., et al. (2022).
Facilitators and barriers in the implementation of trauma-informed approaches in schools: A scoping review.
Identifies what helps and hinders TIC in real schools — essential for administrators planning sustainable change.
Link: https://exceptionalchildren.org/sites/default/files/2025-06/Wassink-de%20Stigter%20et%20al.%2C%202022.pdf

Youth Trauma & Mental Health Research

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach.
Defines the 6 principles and 4 Rs of TIC, widely used in education.
Link: https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).
Trauma-Informed Schools Toolkit & Adolescent Trauma Resources.
Provides adolescent-specific trauma insights relevant for grades 6–12.
Link: https://www.nctsn.org/resources/trauma-informed-schools

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study.
Found that early trauma strongly impacts learning, behavior, emotion regulation, and long-term mental health.
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/

Education & School Climate Resources

National Education Association (NEA).
Trauma-Informed Practices.
Explains trauma responses in classrooms, especially at the secondary level.
Link: https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/trauma-informed-practices

National Council for Mental Wellbeing (formerly National Council for Behavioral Health).
Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Oriented Schools Toolkit.
Created for school leaders seeking practical TIC implementation steps.
Link: https://www.nc2s.org/resource/trauma-informed-resilience-oriented-schools-toolkit/

American Psychological Association (APA).
Helping Teens Manage Stress.
Provides a psychologist-backed explanation of how stress and trauma affect adolescent development.
Link: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/teens

Teacher & Staff Wellbeing (Because TIC Applies to Adults Too)

Figley, C. R. (1995).
Compassion Fatigue: Coping With Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder in Those Who Treat the Traumatized.
Foundational work explaining why educators and caregivers need tools for their own resilience.

Brunzell, T., Waters, L., & Stokes, H. (2015).
Trauma-Informed Positive Education: Using Strengths-Based Approaches to Support Students With Trauma Histories.Journal of Psychologists & Counsellors in Schools.
Useful for your section on “why TIC helps staff reduce burnout and feel more confident.”