This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Dyregrov, A. Articles by Raundalen, M. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Is the Culture Always Right?

Center for Crisis Psychology, Fabrikkgaten 5, 5059 Bergen, Norway, atle{at}uib.no

Leila Gupta

2410 Ndjamena Place, Ndjamena, CHAD, Leila_gupta{at}hotmail.com

Rolf Gjestad

Center for Crisis Psychology, Fabrikkgaten 5, 5059 Bergen, Norway, rolf{at}krisepsyk.no

Magne Raundalen

Center for Crisis Psychology, Fabrikkgaten 5, 5059 Bergen, Norway, magne{at}bgnett.no

Recently there has been a critique of the use of western models in the trauma field. In this article it is discussed whether some of this critique reflects a continuation of a denial of trauma and PTSD that has been evident in psychology and psychiatry for a number of years. Although the critique has rightfully pointed out the importance of social and political dimensions in the understanding of trauma, it is argued that some aspects of trauma are universal. The critique has also focused on the use of western models of therapy in non-western societies. However, work done in this field has often adopted a community-based model focusing on large groups of people affected by war situations rather than using medical therapy models. Thus the critique has been somewhat misplaced. Especially in helping children in war it is important not to accept the local culture too much but to rely on children’s inborn resilience and cultural traditions for preventing long-term traumatic stress.

Key Words: Trauma field • PTSD • Western models of therapy • Non-western societies • War • Children • Culture • Traumatic stress

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?