# Biological research involving people with lived experience of childhood trauma: a trauma-informed approach

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of trauma-informed practices in biological research involving people with childhood trauma experiences.

## Contribution

The paper introduces practical recommendations and highlights the need for systematic training reviews in trauma research.

## Key findings

- Trauma-informed principles are essential for protecting both participants and researchers.
- There is a need to identify training and knowledge gaps in trauma research.
- Evidence-based approaches can support participants and researchers effectively.

## Abstract

In this Perspective, we highlight the growing need for trauma-informed practices as researchers increasingly work across disciplines to study the effects of childhood trauma. We emphasise that trauma-informed principles must be embedded not only to protect participants, but also to safeguard interdisciplinary researchers conducting biological psychology and psychiatry research with people who have lived experience of trauma. We offer practical recommendations and ethical considerations for minimising risk during trauma research, together with example content for trauma-informed researcher training. We uncovered an unmet need to systematically review what training is already available and identify the training and knowledge gaps that exist within trauma research. Understanding these realities will help shape practical, evidence-based approaches that support both participants and researchers.