TORONTO, February 28, 2011 − A new blog written by student researchers at York University offers help for people seeking information on how to cope with traumatic events.
Published online today, The Trauma and Attachment Report is an electronic, research-based blog designed to disseminate widely the latest information about trauma. The weekly publication consists of articles authored by graduate and undergraduate psychology students doing active research in the Trauma and Attachment Lab at York University.
How people cope with traumatic events varies widely between individuals and the impact of trauma on a family can be long lasting and devastating, says York psychology Professor Robert Muller, editorial director and publisher of the blog.
“The purpose of The Trauma and Attachment Report is to provide clear, accurate information to members of the community on the topic of interpersonal trauma. The report will cover topics such as the causes and consequences of trauma, treatment, prevention and the implications of trauma for society at large,” says Muller.
“The articles draw upon primary sources such as interviews with survivors, therapists and others who work in the field of interpersonal trauma.”
The first issue of the blog, for example, presents an interview with a Canadian soldier who recently served in Afghanistan.
The report provides conversational, plain text articles about the effect of psychological trauma on children and adults. Much of the information covered in the report, says Muller, arises from research findings from the lab and those published in reputable scientific journals.
In addition to regular articles, there will be book reviews in the area of interpersonal trauma and readers will be able to share their thoughts on particular pieces. Muller and his team decided on the blog format because it is "borderless and timeless and would provide individuals with information when they need it any time of the day or night."
Muller says the successful launch of the blog is a win-win for both students and readers. "We want readers at York University, we want readers in Australia, that is why we have placed it online so that it can be accessible to everyone," he says. "Much of what is on the Internet is someone's opinion and is not backed by research. There is a lot of misleading information out there and this is a problem. The Trauma and Attachment Report is a university-based project and it is as accurate as possible.”
For more information, visit The Trauma and Attachment Report online.
York University is the leading interdisciplinary research and teaching university in Canada. York offers a modern, academic experience at the undergraduate and graduate level in Toronto, Canada’s most international city. The third largest university in the country, York is host to a dynamic academic community of 50,000 students and 7,000 faculty and staff, as well as 200,000 alumni worldwide. York’s 10 Faculties and 28 research centres conduct ambitious, groundbreaking research that is interdisciplinary, cutting across traditional academic boundaries. This distinctive and collaborative approach is preparing students for the future and bringing fresh insights and solutions to real-world challenges. York University is an autonomous, not-for-profit corporation.
Media Contact:
Janice Walls, Media Relations, York University, 416 736 2100 x22101 / wallsj@yorku.ca
