Publications

Towards a Trauma-Informed Lifestyle

Trauma does not announce itself. It rarely arrives with a clear label or a dramatic story. More often, it shows up quietly in our daily lives through strained relationships, emotional distance, sudden anger, exhaustion, or silence that feels heavier than words. Because of this, trauma-informed care cannot remain only a professional concept. It must become a way of living. For […]

The Untold Stories of Trauma in the African Context

When people hear the word trauma, they often think of war, car accidents, or natural disasters. These images are real, but they do not capture the full picture of trauma in Africa. Across the continent, many people live with pain that is rarely named and hardly ever discussed: the quiet trauma of humiliation, poverty, gender based violence, family breakdown, political […]

Understanding the Principles of Trauma Informed Care in the African Context

Introduction Trauma is part of the human story, but it is not experienced or understood in the same way everywhere. In many African countries, people live with the effects of colonisation, political conflict, poverty, gender based violence, communal tension, disasters, forced migration, and daily struggles for survival. At the same time, African communities are rich in resilience, spirituality, family support, […]

Building Trauma Informed Institutions in Ghana: A Framework for Healing Centered Care

Introduction Trauma is not only about dramatic events such as war and disasters. It also includes chronic experiences of poverty, violence, stigma, neglect and loss. In Ghana, many people live with the emotional impact of childhood adversity, intimate partner violence, unsafe school environments, stigma around mental illness, and stressful encounters with health and justice systems. Yet, most institutions are not […]

The Deep Meaning of Trauma: An Etymological and Cross-Cultural Exploration

Abstract The concept of trauma has evolved significantly over centuries, transitioning from its origins as a medical term describing physical injury to a complex construct encompassing psychological, emotional, and cultural dimensions of human suffering. This article explores the etymology of the word “trauma,” tracing its linguistic roots in ancient Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, and examining how various cultures have historically […]

The Impact of Trauma on the Family: A Narrative Review

Introduction Trauma, defined as an emotional response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening event, reverberates beyond the individual directly affected, profoundly influencing the entire family system. Whether stemming from acute events like natural disasters, violence, or loss, or chronic stressors such as abuse or neglect, trauma disrupts the delicate balance of family relationships, roles, and emotional well-being. This narrative review […]

The Social and Community Impact of Trauma: Effects on Family, School, Community, Workplace, and Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract Trauma, whether resulting from individual experiences like abuse or collective events like natural disasters, profoundly impacts social systems, including families, schools, communities, workplaces, and interpersonal relationships. This article provides an in-depth examination of how trauma disrupts these domains, drawing on psychological, sociological, and organizational research. It explores the effects on family dynamics, academic and social functioning in schools, community […]

Religion and Culture: Foundations, Interactions, and Contemporary Relevance

Abstract This paper explores the intricate relationship between religion and culture, arguing that religion is both a product and a shaper of culture. Drawing on anthropological, sociological, and philosophical perspectives, the paper examines how religion influences cultural identity, moral systems, social organization, and artistic expression, while also highlighting how cultural context shapes religious beliefs and practices. In an increasingly globalized […]

Trauma and Africa’s Past: Historical Wounds and Contemporary Healing

Abstract Africa’s historical experiences—marked by colonization, slavery, apartheid, armed conflict, and socio-political oppression—have left deep psychological and communal scars. These collective and intergenerational traumas continue to influence present-day social, cultural, and mental health realities. This article explores how Africa’s past contributes to different layers of trauma, examining its manifestations, perpetuation, and implications. It also highlights culturally rooted strategies for healing […]

The Neurobiology of Trauma: Implications for Healing in the African Context

Abstract Understanding the neurobiological foundations of trauma provides critical insight into how traumatic experiences disrupt brain functioning and behavior. In Africa, where trauma arises from diverse sources such as armed conflict, systemic oppression, gender-based violence, and poverty, exploring the brain-based mechanisms of trauma is essential for effective, culturally sensitive interventions. This article examines the neurological processes involved in trauma, including […]