CROSS-CULTURAL INSIGHTS ON TRAUMA MANAGEMENT: RETHINKING WESTERN PRACTICES FOR POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) TREATMENT
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Authors
Jaicks, Aubrey E.
Subjects
posttraumatic stress disorder
PTSD
culture
cross-cultural
mental health
combat stress
trauma
PTSD
culture
cross-cultural
mental health
combat stress
trauma
Advisors
Naficy, Siamak T.
Zefferman, Matthew R.
Date of Issue
2023-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition affecting millions of people in the United States, particularly within the military and veteran populations. Traditional Western treatment methods for PTSD take a medical and behavioral approach and are often not fully effective. This thesis examines a body of existing research regarding trauma response in non-Western societies to explore the possibility of alternative approaches to PTSD treatment beyond the Western medical model. Findings reveal the societies studied define trauma differently and that these definitions impact how their people understand, experience, and manage traumatic events. Additional literature reviewed indicates the feeling of support from and value to the community is vital to effective veteran reintegration, determined to be a crucial factor in successful trauma recovery. The analysis included in this thesis supports the claim that Western society must consider ideas outside its own norms and cognitive boundaries to prevent and treat PTSD more effectively. Recommendations for future action include additional research and the implementation of a variety of potentially beneficial alternative or augmentative approaches to the Western medical model for treatment and prevention of PTSD within the military and veteran populations.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.