Page 57 - JCBP-2-2

Journal of Clinical and
Basic Psychosomatics Cultural coping for PTSD among amaXhosa

culturally informed coping practices. Notably, there is a for more than 3 months to ensure their stability. The age
9,10
gap in the literature regarding culturally informed coping range varied among participants, with university students
strategies within non-Western cultures, particularly within aged 19 – 21 years old, matric holders aged 27 – 40, and
the amaXhosa culture of South Africa. individuals with informal education ranging from 24
The amaXhosa, the second largest cultural group in to 59 years old. In addition, eight culturally informed
South Africa, originates from the Eastern Cape Province participants from Motherwell, Summerstrand, and
12
11
and speak isiXhosa, one of the three most commonly Uitenhage were selected for FGDs. Their ages ranged from
spoken languages in the country. Their diverse Christian 18 to 62, and they were engaged in small-scale businesses.
religious and cultural traditions are centered on a strong The selection criteria for focus group participants included
sense of community and sharing among members. their cultural knowledge and expertise, with a mix of
13
Family members often reside in close proximity to each Christian and traditional religious affiliations. Three
other, and friendships hold significant value as integral gatekeepers from the respective towns guided the selection
parts of their families and communal networks. Their process, resulting in the establishment of two focus groups,
13
practices are deeply rooted in their cultural values and are each comprising two men and two women.
often referenced within relevant contexts. 2.4. Inclusion and exclusion criteria
This study aims to explore how culturally informed The study’s inclusion criteria encompassed South Africans
coping strategies influence PTSD treatment among aged 18 and above who self-identified as isiXhosa speakers
amaXhosa individuals in South Africa, addressing the belonging to the amaXhosa cultural group. Participants
dearth of research in this area. By employing qualitative were also required to have undergone trauma debriefing
research methods, including interviews and focus group and counseling, with at least 3 months having elapsed since
discussions (FGDs), this study seeks to elucidate these the completion of their treatment. Individuals currently
strategies. The research question guiding this study is, undergoing treatment for <3 months were excluded to
“How do culturally informed coping strategies influence mitigate the risk of exacerbating distress, aligning with the
the treatment of PTSD symptoms among members of university’s Research Ethics Policy aimed at safeguarding
the amaXhosa culture in Gqeberha, South Africa?” This participant well-being. The second group consisted of
inquiry is poised to contribute to a deeper understanding isiXhosa-speaking amaXhosa individuals who possessed
of culturally relevant approaches to PTSD treatment and knowledge about their cultural beliefs and practices. This
support, thereby enhancing mental health interventions. approach was designed to uncover similarities and insights
By delving into culturally informed practices, this study into their cultural approaches to PTSD treatment.
aims to bridge the gap between Western and non-Western
approaches to PTSD treatment, ultimately facilitating 2.5. Sampling procedure
improved mental health outcomes within the broader field.
In qualitative research, sample sizes typically range from five
2. Methods to 25 participants, with a focus on reaching data saturation,
where no new information is obtained. For the individual
2.1. Study design interviews, all 15 amaXhosa participants had completed
To gain deeper insight into participants’ worldviews, this treatment over 3 months prior and were recruited
study used an interpretivist paradigm within a qualitative from diverse sources such as trauma units, rape crisis
research approach and exploratory design. centers, and organizations offering counseling services.
Furthermore, eight culturally informed participants from
2.2. Study area Motherwell, Summerstrand, and Uitenhage in Gqeberha
The study drew its participants from Gqeberha, located in were specifically selected for the FGDs.
the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, in line with the
study’s objectives. More specifically, the primary areas of 2.6. Data collection procedure
interest within Gqeberha were Motherwell, Summerstrand, Figure 1 illustrates the data collection procedure. Before
and Uitenhage. the commencement of the study, ethical clearance (H18-
HEA-PSY-011) was obtained from the Research Ethics
2.3. Study population Committee at our university. Institutions such as trauma
Fifteen amaXhosa participants, comprising university units, rape crisis centers, and organizations supporting
students, matric holders, and individuals with informal trauma survivors granted permission for the study.
education backgrounds, were chosen for individual Participants received an information sheet explaining
interviews. All participants had received PTSD treatment the study, ensuring they were aware of its purpose

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 2 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcbp.2889