Essay On Cultural Trauma

What is trauma, who does it affect and how does one's cultural background influence how trauma is perceived? According to the DSM-5 (defined in Briere) and SAMHSA’s trauma is a “state of being” resulting from actual or threatened exposure to psychologically and/or physically damaging events wherein they may become overwhelmed by fear, helplessness and hopelessness. Individuals groups and/or community may experience trauma directly, either firsthand or by witnessing an event, or they may learn about an event affecting someone close. Trauma disrupts a person's ability to regulate themselves and cope emotionally. Trauma is pervasive especially in a world connected by the Internet. How trauma is perceived by individuals is subjective and greatly influenced by other factors in the environment such as family and cultural background. It is “critical” for the clinicians to account for cultural differences when handling trauma cases in order to discern the subtle signs and symptoms of trauma. …show more content…
The effects of long term traumatic stress on adult is greater if they have had a traumatic experience in the past. As of March, 20014 19 out of 50 States still allowed corporal punishment in schools. I find this surprising since the primary objective of school is to educate and not to discipline. On the other hand there are no laws restricting the use of corporal punishment in the home in any of the 50 States. It is up to the parent(s) or caregiver to decide whether the use of corporal punishment is appropriate. Further parent(s) or caregivers are left to determine how to administer the punishment and to what degree. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that some cases cross the very thin line between discipline and abuse. In no other form of power differential relationships is the use of physical violence acceptable from a societal