Presentation Information
[P-26-05]Cultural Influences on the Processes Underpinning the Development, Maintenance and Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
*Laura Anne Jobson1, Belinda Liddell2, Winnie Lau3, Richard Bryant4, Larissa Qiu1, Marcus Lai1, Joshua Wong1,2, July Lies1 (1.Monash University(Australia), 2.University of Newcastle(Australia), 3.Melbourne University(Australia), 4.University of New South Wales(Australia))
Keywords:
trauma,PTSD,East Asian,Culture
Currently there is an impressive body of literature accounting for the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has informed evidence-based psychiatric treatments. However, there is a concerning limitation associated with the work; it has been predominately conducted with Western trauma survivors and is based on Western cultural norms, values and belief systems. This is problematic, as the majority of trauma survivors worldwide come from non-Western cultural backgrounds.
Cross-cultural research outside clinical contexts has consistently shown that culture shapes many of the core processes implicated in PTSD. In light of this, the present research aimed to explore how culture influences key processes underpinning posttraumatic recovery—specifically, trauma memory, appraisals, emotion regulation, and social support.
This presentation will summarise findings from a series of studies examining how cultural values shape the relationships between these processes and PTSD symptoms among East Asian and European Australian trauma survivors. We will demonstrate how cultural context influences how trauma is remembered, interpreted, and managed emotionally, as well as how individuals seek support after trauma—factors closely tied to both PTSD symptoms and recovery trajectories.
We will also discuss the clinical implications of these findings. Evidence suggests that culturally tailored interventions are more effective in treating PTSD. Therefore, this presentation will conclude with recommendations for adapting existing PTSD treatments to better meet the needs of East Asian trauma survivors.
Cross-cultural research outside clinical contexts has consistently shown that culture shapes many of the core processes implicated in PTSD. In light of this, the present research aimed to explore how culture influences key processes underpinning posttraumatic recovery—specifically, trauma memory, appraisals, emotion regulation, and social support.
This presentation will summarise findings from a series of studies examining how cultural values shape the relationships between these processes and PTSD symptoms among East Asian and European Australian trauma survivors. We will demonstrate how cultural context influences how trauma is remembered, interpreted, and managed emotionally, as well as how individuals seek support after trauma—factors closely tied to both PTSD symptoms and recovery trajectories.
We will also discuss the clinical implications of these findings. Evidence suggests that culturally tailored interventions are more effective in treating PTSD. Therefore, this presentation will conclude with recommendations for adapting existing PTSD treatments to better meet the needs of East Asian trauma survivors.