Are we lost in translations?: Unanswered questions on trauma, culture and posttraumatic syndromes and recommendations for future research

Abstract

As discussed throughout this publication, the relation of trauma and culture is an important one because traumatic experiences are part of the life cycle, universal in manifestation and occurrence, and typically demand a response from culture in terms of healing and care. To understand the relationship between trauma and culture requires a "big picture" overview of both concepts (Marsella & White, 1989). However, because of the complexity of both, reactions to trauma and cultural phenomena, a "big picture" raises also many questions. What are the dimensions of psychological trauma and what are the dimensions of cultural systems as they govern patterns of daily living? How does culture influence an individual's reaction to trauma? How do victims across the world make sense of their experiences in situations of extreme stress? In this regard, Smith, Lin and Mendoza (1993, p.38) state: "Humans in general have an inherent need to make sense out of and explain their experiences. This is especially true when they are experiencing suffering and illness. In the process of this quest for meaning, culturally shaped beliefs play a vital role in determining whether a particular explanation and associated treatment plan will make sense to the patient . . . Numerous studies in medical anthropology have documented that indigenous systems of health beliefs and practices persist and may even flourish in all societies after exposure to modern Western medicine . . . These beliefs and practices exert profound influences in patients' attitudes and behavior . . ." How do cultures create social-psychological mechanisms to assist its members who have suffered significant traumatic events? In terms of mental health care, cultures provide many alternative pathways to healing and integration of extreme stress experiences which can be provided by shamans, medicine men and women, traditional healers, culture-specific rituals, conventional medical practices and community-based practices that offer forms of social and emotional support for the person suffering the adverse, maladaptive aspects of a trauma (Moodley & West, 2005). As shown throughout this publication, these different approaches can and sometimes must be combined with each other in order to diminish the suffering of trauma victims. Intercultural trauma treatment can be based on the combination of various "cultural wisdoms" and not on their exclusion from the healing process. In this chapter, we will discuss the issues of convergence and divergence between healing principles across cultures, raise some fundamental questions on relationships among trauma, culture and posttraumatic syndromes, and propose some directions for future research. In this trajectory, not only the knowledge on psychology and anthropology, but also mythology has been a valuable source of inspiration. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.