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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Abstract Trauma is a pervasive yet often overlooked public health concern in Africa, shaped by historical, cultural, economic, and political dynamics. This article explores six primary types of trauma within the African context: acute, chronic, complex, systemic, developmental, and intergenerational trauma. By illustrating each type with real-world examples and integrating emerging African-centered models, the article advocates for context-specific, culturally grounded, […]
Trauma is a deeply personal experience, one that can leave lasting marks on both the mind and body. It often begins in moments of intense distress—whether physical, emotional, or psychological—where the individual’s ability to cope with the overwhelming events is exceeded. The effects of trauma can be life-altering, and its manifestations are not always easy to recognize, even for the […]