Trauma-Informed Ethics and Marginalization Stress

The aim of this chapter is to define marginalization stress and address the effects of stressors caused by systems of oppression, racism, microaggressions, and how these stressors impact various marginalized groups and oppressed identities with attention to intersectionality of differing identities. This includes marginalization stressors becoming significant determinants for marginalized individuals, placing them at risk for far-reaching problematic outcomes (i.e., impaired cognitive functioning, internalizing problems, physical health issues, and poly victimization). The goal is to utilize the multicultural model of knowledge, skill, and awareness as well as promotion of “a critical consciousness” to encourage cultural humility in addressing ethical implications of marginalization stressors. In addition, promoting within the model, trauma-informed treatment with awareness of how systems intersect and impact clients; further, it is essential to treat marginalization stress as a complex concept connecting gender, sexual identity, race, disability status, and more.