Clinician awareness, attitudes and clinical practice relating to PTSD arising from one’s own actions in the UK: implications for training and education

Purpose The growing recognition of the role of traumatic events in the development and maintenance of psychopathology has led to a proliferation of trauma-informed care treatment frameworks and training programmes. Yet, specialist trauma education and practice guidance typically omit consideration of trauma needs arising from one’s own actions, specifically from offending behaviour, suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Whilst the prevalence and impacts of autogenic sources of trauma are documented, there is limited understanding of clinician awareness, attitudes and practice in this area. The present study sought to address these omissions in the literature. Design/methodology/approach Registered health professionals in the UK completed an e-survey exploring awareness of, attitudes towards and current clinical practice in relation to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from one’s own actions. Findings Of 102 participants, 94 reported having some level of awareness of autogenic sources of PTSD. Most participants affirmed their validity for Criterion A requirements for PTSD, although 33% were unsure if engaging in NSSI was a potentially traumatic experience. Half reported integrating autogenic sources of PTSD into clinical activities. Lower levels of integration were associated with limited awareness of, and ambivalent attitudes towards, autogenic sources of PTSD. Research limitations/implications Experienced traumatologists both endorse and demonstrate a degree of ambivalence towards autogenic sources of PTSD. Factors underlying the discordance between acceptance and limited integration in clinical practice indicate the importance of educating clinicians about trauma responses arising from one’s own behaviour. Originality/value This study identifies current core training and education needs to improve the recognition and management of PTSD arising from one’s own actions.