Applications of Agent-Based Modeling in Trauma Research

Objective: Trauma, violence, and their consequences for population health are shaped by complex, intersecting forces across the life span. We aimed to illustrate the strengths of agent-based modeling (ABM), a computational approach in which population-level patterns emerge from the behaviors and interactions of simulated individuals, for advancing trauma research; Method: We provide an overview of agent-based modeling for trauma research, including a discussion of the model development process, ABM as a complement to other causal inference and complex systems approaches in trauma research, and past ABM applications in the trauma literature; Results: We use existing ABM applications to illustrate the strengths of ABM for trauma research, including incorporating interactions between individuals, simulating processes across multiple scales, examining life-course effects, testing alternate theories, comparing intervention strategies in a virtual laboratory, and guiding decision making. We also discuss the challenges of applying ABM to trauma research and offer specific suggestions for incorporating ABM into future studies of trauma and violence; Conclusion: Agent-based modeling is a useful complement to other methodological advances in trauma research. We recommend a more widespread adoption of ABM, particularly for research into patterns and consequences of individual traumatic experiences across the life course and understanding the effects of interventions that may be influenced by social norms and social network structures. Clinical Impact Statement This article provides an overview of agent-based modeling (ABM), including its strengths, challenges, and future directions in trauma research. ABM approaches can account for the complex, multilevel nature of trauma and violence exposure and their population health consequences across the life course, enabling insight into optimal intervention strategies and guiding decision making. Past ABM studies in the trauma literature have mostly focused on disaster preparedness, postdisaster planning, and addressing community violence. More widespread use of ABM in trauma research, particularly applied to childhood maltreatment and domestic violence, may enhance our understanding and prevention of trauma and its consequences.