The Reverse Domino Effect: How to Nurture Self-Belief, Self-Determination, and Post-Traumatic Growth in Students Who Have Experienced Trauma

This session highlights the success strategies of first-generation students who experienced trauma prior to entering college. It uncovers an apparent pattern to success referred to as the reverse domino effect. This pattern can dramatically change the life trajectory of a student who has experienced trauma and hardship in the years leading to college. Implications include offering opportunities that go beyond goal attainment, academic success, and overcoming difficult situations, but that also address the core elements of belief, self-determination, and post-traumatic growth.