Behind the Scenes: Dr. Cecilia DeVargas

How did you first become involved with the Texas Childhood Trauma Research Network?

As director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program, I am interested in trauma in children. I asked to lead the CTRN study at TTUHSCEP to research this important issue.

What is the big-picture mission of the network, and why is it important for Texas right now?

To promote mental health in children, adolescents and young adults with history of trauma.

How would you explain what childhood trauma really means — and how it affects children long-term?

Trauma in children affects their physical, psychological, social and spiritual health. It increases vulnerability and risk for future maladaptation and psychopathology.

What gap in childhood trauma research does the network aim to fill, particularly in Texas?

This research will produce discoveries in the connectivity between trauma, clinical manifestations, interventions and resilience development. With these findings, we can more appropriately manage children with trauma and identify preventive measures.

What kinds of trauma are you seeing most often in the children and families you work with in Texas?

Neglect, physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, death of parents and other family members.

The Texas population in our area (border between U.S. and Mexico) is characterized by lower socioeconomic status, poverty and mainly Hispanic ethnicity with low accessibility to mental health resources. These factors may result in great challenges but also opportunities to improve children’s mental health.

What have been some key findings or breakthroughs from the research so far?

Mainly, the participants’ willingness to be part of the study despite stigmatization of trauma and mental health issues.

This work can be emotionally heavy. How do you and your team stay resilient while working so closely with trauma?

Group support, teamwork, and an emphasis on trauma-informed care promotes the ability to do the work without vicarious traumatization.

What are the ethical complexities of doing research with vulnerable populations like children? How do you navigate that?

Awareness of risk re-traumatization in a vulnerable population along with trauma-informed care principles promote ethical ways to engage in research.

By disseminating research findings with schools, health systems and government agencies will make informed decisions regarding the management of children with a history of trauma.

What do you hope this research will change — in how Texas schools, health systems, or governments respond to childhood trauma?

By disseminating research findings with schools, health systems and government agencies will make informed decisions regarding the management of children with a history of trauma. We will educate and promote the development of policies that improve children’s mental health.

Where do you see this work in five years? What’s the long-term vision for the network?

Improved care of children with trauma histories. Promotion of resilience in this vulnerable population. Hopefully, prevention of psychopathology in this population.

What changes do you hope to see in childhood trauma research or care in the next 5–10 years?

More longitudinal studies on childhood trauma. More appropriate, trauma-informed care interventions. Mitigation of stigma around mental health fields and trauma issues.

What advice would you give to early-career researchers interested in entering the field of childhood trauma?

To get ready for amazing discoveries in this field. To be aware of challenges and opportunities but mainly great satisfaction that we are contributing to a noble cause.

If you could tell Texas lawmakers or the general public one thing about childhood trauma, what would it be?

Children are the essence of life and deserve a compassionate approach to their trauma experiences.