Analytical Assessment of Trauma-Informed Care Knowledge and Practice Among School Counsellors in North Central Nigeria

Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and integrates trauma awareness into professional practice, yet the extent of trauma-informed knowledge and its translation into practice among school counsellors in North Central Nigeria has not been empirically assessed. This study analytically assessed trauma-informed care knowledge, attitudes, and practice among school counsellors in Benue, Kogi, and Plateau States, North Central Nigeria. A survey research design was employed with 120 qualified school counsellors recruited through the Counselling Association of Nigeria's state chapter networks. The Trauma-Informed Care Provider Scale adapted for Nigerian school counsellors was administered alongside a structured knowledge assessment and case vignette exercise. Results showed adequate trauma-informed knowledge in 38.3 percent of respondents, positive attitudes toward trauma-informed practice in 74.2 percent, and consistent trauma-informed practice in only 26.7 percent. The largest knowledge-practice gaps were in universal trauma screening (known by 44.2 percent, practised by 11.7 percent), trauma-specific referral pathways (known by 37.5 percent, practised by 9.2 percent), and secondary trauma self-care (known by 52.5 percent, practised by 21.7 percent). Counsellors from conflict-affected Plateau State showed higher trauma knowledge than peers in the other two states. The study fills an important evidence gap and recommends a structured trauma-informed care training programme for all school counsellors in North Central Nigeria, prioritising the three highest knowledge-practice gap areas.

Keywords: trauma-informed care, school counsellors, knowledge and practice, North Central Nigeria, trauma awareness