ABSTRACT
Academic and applied approaches and practices relative to trauma and mental well-being enjoy histories that date back to the late 19th century. Trauma undeniably and indelibly impacts the “whole person” – body, mind, emotions, and spirit – and represents equal opportunity experiences relative to its sequel repercussions across dimensions of age, gender, culture, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, disability, religion, and social class. Responding to athlete survivors of trauma with compassion, sensitivity, and humility also demands of coaches, certified athletic trainers, strength and conditioning personnel, and others in the athlete’s circle of influence that they develop conversant knowledge about theories and models of trauma. Worthy of consideration is the observation that trauma comes in many forms, and evidence of its aftermath lingers in the long term, sometimes lifelong. The emotional aftermath of traumatic experiences is felt both immediately and long term and, consequentially, influences how athletes think, feel, behave, and navigate the world around them.
