Journal of Student Research 2018

15 Examining the Lived Experiences of Individuals with Multiple Childhood Traumas Analysis The researcher analyzed the results by carefully reviewing each recorded interview and then identifying what the participants had in common. Since the participants had all taken the ACE questionnaire, the researcher could see which questions each participant answered “yes” to. This made the analysis process simple to break down. After identifying commonalities between participants, the researcher identified themes that were evident throughout the interviews. Participant 1 lived with her mother, father, and older brother until she was 12 years old, when her parents separated. During the time before the separation, she witnessed her mother verbally and physically abuse her father. Her mother drank heavily and was rarely emotionally available when the participant needed her. Her mother often spoke negatively to her, which led her to self-doubt. The participant’s relationship with her father grew stronger as she leaned on him for support and guidance. After the participant’s parents separated they each began dating new people. This was a hard transition for her. During the week she would stay with her mother, and on the weekends she would stay with her father. During the week her mother was rarely home, leaving the children to care for themselves. Because her mother did not provide them with food for the week, she had to get a part-time job as soon as she was old enough. While her brother was there for her when he could be, he was sent to boot camp at a young age for getting into trouble. The participant believes she is a better person because of the trauma she experienced. She said she is less likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol after witnessing the effects the chemicals had on her mother. She also said that she is more cautious in her intimate relationships after watching the divorce her parents went through. Participant 1 wants to be a Social Worker because she feels she can better relate to clients as a result of her own experiences and wants to help others who may be in a negative situation such as she was. Results Participant 1

Participant 2

Growing up, Participant 2 lived with her mother, step-father, three biological siblings, and one step-sibling. There was regularly tension in the household, which resulted in her running away on multiple occasions. The participant noted that this led to her feeling very anxious and depressed as