How can I write a dissertation about psychological trauma as a Masters student?

1.

Focus on Existing Literature: Instead of working directly with individuals who have experienced trauma, consider conducting a literature review or a meta-analysis on the effects of childhood trauma. By analysing existing studies, you can explore the topic without needing to interact with vulnerable participants, which often makes ethics approval much easier.

2.

Use Secondary Data: If you’re interested in analysing real data, look for studies or datasets that have already been collected by researchers with appropriate ethical approval. Many databases offer anonymised data on mental health and trauma, allowing you to explore these effects without direct contact with participants.

3.

Frame the Study Broadly: Rather than focusing solely on trauma, you could broaden the study to include resilience, coping mechanisms, or protective factors in those with adverse childhood experiences. This could provide a balanced view and make the study less focused on distressing elements.

4.

Focus on Theoretical or Observational Models: Consider building a model or framework based on existing theories of trauma and its psychological impacts. By using a theoretical approach, you can still explore the effects of trauma on later behaviour without delving into personal or potentially distressing accounts.

5.

Choose Indirect Measures: If you’re set on collecting new data, consider using questionnaires that measure related constructs, like resilience, coping skills, or general life satisfaction, rather than delving directly into traumatic experiences.