Cross-Cultural Insights on Trauma Management: Rethinking Western Practices for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Treatment
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1213502
Entities
People
- Aubrey E. Jaicks
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School