TRAUMA LEVEL OF CHILDREN OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 024 GALANG AFTER THE REMPANG RIOTS AFTER IMPLEMENTING TRAUMA COUNSELING USING TRAUMABOOK

Abstract

The riots that took place on Rempang Island on September 7, 2023, resulted in significant psychological disturbances in students at SDN 024 Galang and SMPN 022 Batam City. The purpose of this study was to provide trauma counseling services to affected children using storytelling and play therapy methods, as well as utilizing the Trauma Book, an intervention media specifically designed to help children cope with trauma through a narrative approach and related play activities. The methods used in implementing this study included location surveys, initial socialization with the school, preparation of trauma assessment instruments, and data collection before and after the intervention was carried out. The results of the study showed a significant decrease in the level of trauma in children after they participated in the trauma counseling program. Most children who previously experienced severe trauma improved to mild to moderate trauma. This program also succeeded in increasing social participation, learning motivation, and student comfort in the school environment. In addition, school partners gained a better understanding of the importance of trauma counseling services in dealing with the negative psychological impacts of traumatic events. Based on the results of this study, the approach using Trauma Book, combined with storytelling and play therapy, is considered effective and has the potential to be applied as a trauma intervention model for children in other schools facing similar situations.