Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - a culture theoretical perspective

Abstract

As a consequence of a variety of natural disasters, violence and global migration movements the treatment necessity of trauma sequelae in culturally diverse populations arises. Cultural Dimensions have long time been ignored or treated inadequately in PTSD-based trauma research. Although epidemiological data support the argument of its universal prevalence, the PTSD- concept fails to address the multiple parameters of culture, conceptualized as lived praxis. Moreover it is itself not free of cultural bias. Methodological concerns originated by the different research traditions involved are mentioned. However even if current concepts try to overcome conceptual and methodological barriers that are made obvious through a culturally informed study of traumatic experience there is a need for further work with regard to culturally sensitive intervention designs an their effectiveness in clinical and community settings.