The place of culture in trauma studies: An American view

The place of culture in psychiatry and trauma studies has become increasingly important in recent years. In theoretical studies, research and in clinical assessment and treatment, it is essential to incorporate concepts and guidelines from diverse fields, including medicine, psychiatry and psychology and the social sciences. War trauma and migration have greatly influenced the direction of research and clinical care in the field and have underscored the importance and relevance of anthropological perspectives. There are both universal and culturally-specific ways that trauma is experienced and processed by individuals, families and the culture at large. It is important for healers working with those who have experienced trauma to provide a safe, secure and predictable environment for the healing process and to bridge symbolic systems of meaning relevant for effective healing in both the specific cultural group and the majority society. These issues also have important implications for the effective education and training of professionals working with a variety of cultural and ethnic groups.