Journal of Student Research 2018

13 Examining the Lived Experiences of Individuals with Multiple Childhood Traumas shows the extremes to which substance abusers will go to sustain their drug addiction, even at the cost of their own children. In previous years, Scotland and the UK have done studies regarding child welfare while in the parental care of substance abusers (Hogan, 1998). In order to ensure the well-being of these children, Scottish Executives have issued guidelines for services working with drug users and their families: “For too long the needs and welfare of children in families affected by problem drug use have been overlooked. Professionals in specialist drug related services feel ill equipped to manage the often complex needs of both parents and their children and have focused on adults. Similarly, staff in children’s services have lacked the knowledge, skills, and confidence to address parents’ drug-related problems even where these are clearly affecting their children. We must now concentrate effort on helping these children.” (McKeganey, Barnard, & McIntosh, 2002, p. 233). It’s a common misconception that people go into Human Services fields due to trauma they experienced as children. In fact, Triplett, Higgins, and Payne (2013) noted that there was no significant relationship between childhood exposure to violence and career choice. There are a variety of motivations for individuals to enter the field of social work, such as working with people and effecting social change (Globerman & Bogo, 2003; Hanson & McCullagh, 1995). While some Social Workers say that their motivation is due to their own personal experiences, it was less evident in research than extrinsic motivations (Globerman & Bogo, 2003). The current study is qualitative in nature. The researcher chose to use Moustakas’ Phenomenological approach (Moustakas, 1994). The phenomenological approach is used in research to gain knowledge about an individual’s experiences, and understand how they interpret those experiences (Moustakas, 1994). The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the lived experiences of individuals who endured childhood trauma. The goal was to have a better understanding of how individuals perceive trauma, and how it affects them later in life. The research examined behaviors and choices made in young adulthood, and how childhood exposure to trauma impacted those life choices. Furthermore, the researcher examined how an individual’s adverse childhood experiences may have impacted their decision to choose the field of Social Work. An interview was conducted to answer relevant Social Work as Chosen Field Methodology Overview