Julia Seng

Dr. Seng’s research focuses on the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on women’s health and childbearing. Her projects approach this topic from a variety of perspectives—all projects have in common an activist approach to improving the lifelong well-being of women who have experienced maltreatment in childhood. She has used qualitative, participatory action research to understand women's experiences and to inform intervention development. Epidemiological analyses have established that PTSD is associated with pregnancy complications and worse physical health across the lifespan for women. Clinical studies currently are examining neuroendocrine pathways that link PTSD to preterm birth, lower birth weight, and pregnancy complications. With collaborators, Dr. Seng has co—developed a trauma-specific intervention for pregnant women with a maltreatment—the “Survivor Moms’ Companion.” Clinical and implementation research about this program for women with abuse-related PTSD is underway.