College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-14-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Background: Trauma-informed care (TIC) creates an environment of safety, empowerment, and healing. It provides services in a way that encourages mindfulness and promotes the feeling of well-being. Resilience, described as a protective factor to decrease the risk of suicide, is imperative to the delivery of TIC. However, research also suggests resilience is culturally affected.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify cultural components that contribute to resilience in African American female (AAF) veterans, and its relevance to the delivery of TIC and suicide prevention.

Method: Individual interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to identify supporting factors, based on the aspects of culture that are influential on the development of resilience, and its role in TIC. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyze data obtained from a questionnaire answered by ten Board Certified advanced practice nurses (APNs)/Clinicians, who performed exams on veterans of the U.S. military. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ), a 32-item checklist was used to guide the report of this study.

Results: Ten participants of diverse ethnic backgrounds expressed their thoughts on cultural components that contribute to resilience and its relevance to the delivery of TIC and suicide prevention. We identified five major themes: Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity in Veteran Care, The Impact of Sociodemographic Factors on Resilience and Care, TIC Practices and Benefits, Education, Self-awareness, and Professional Development, and Resilience as a Multifaceted Construct in Veteran Well-being.

Discussion: Cultural components that contribute to resilience, and its impact on TIC, identified as being imperative to help APNs/Clinicians better understand and address the needs of veterans.

Conclusion: Informing APNs on factors that contribute to resilience can hone their ability to provide culturally sensitive, TIC, that can aid in decreasing suicide amongst all veterans.

Keywords trauma-informed care, resilience, suicide prevention, veterans, cultural components, African American females

SLP Collection

no

Available for download on Thursday, September 24, 2026

Included in

Nursing Commons

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