Page 63 - JCBP-2-2

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

Table 3. Proposed draft checklist for clinical practitioners to guide the treatment of PTSD symptoms
1. Incorporate cultural discussions
2. Belief exploration
3. Exploring culturally-informed coping techniques
4. Safety assessment
5. Client referral (include support form)
6. Mandatory support system (family and friends)
7. Incorporating traditional practices:
(i) Incorporate cultural discussions: Begin by engaging in discussions with the client about their cultural background to gain insights into their
understanding of PTSD. This approach helps in recognizing how cognitive attributions have developed.
(ii) Belief exploration: It is crucial to comprehend the client’s beliefs regarding the traumatic events and symptoms, as perceptions of trauma may
vary across cultures. This understanding influences the treatment plan for promoting healing.
(iii) Exploring culturally informed coping techniques: Explore culturally specific coping mechanisms with the client, as different cultures may
endorse particular protocols for dealing with traumatic experiences.
(iv) Safety assessment: Evaluate whether cultural practices may have harmful effects on the client, considering the symptoms they are experiencing.
Some PTSD symptoms could potentially impact the client’s health negatively.
(v) Client referral: If the clinician is not well-versed in the client’s cultural interpretations and coping strategies, it is essential to refer the client to
professionals with relevant expertise. Referral forms should include details about the client’s cultural background.
(vi) Mandatory support system: Encourage the involvement of a support system, including family and friends, as this can help realign distorted
cognitive patterns and aid in the healing process.
(vii) Incorporating traditional practices: Consider involving traditional healers or other culturally relevant figures in therapy when appropriate.
Collaborating with traditional healers alongside therapists can enhance the healing process and increase the effectiveness of treatment for
survivors of trauma.
It may be beneficial for practitioners to adapt this checklist to accommodate survivors who hold both cognitive and spiritual interpretations of trauma.
Addressing spiritual beliefs in therapy alongside cognitive aspects can lead to a more holistic approach to treating PTSD symptoms.
Abbreviation: PTSD: Posttraumatic stress disorder.

approaches. Clinical practitioners should recognize and Funding
engage with cultural differences to provide effective care
for individuals with PTSD. Future research should consider None.
these factors and their impact on PTSD experiences in Conflict of interest
African contexts.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
5. Conclusion

This study delves into the views of amaXhosa participants Author contributions
from South Africa about culturally informed coping Conceptualization: Sandra Thompson-Assan
strategies, highlighting the essential role of cultural Investigation: Sandra Thompson-Assan
practices in their lives. Participants interpret symptoms of Methodology: Sandra Thompson-Assan
PTSD through cultural lenses, integrating Christian, and Writing – original draft: Sandra Thompson-Assan
traditional practices for treatment. The study emphasizes Writing – review & drafting: Sandra Thompson-Assan,
the significance of considering clients’ cultural worldviews Yaseen Ally
in therapy and suggests involving traditional healers where
appropriate. The findings advocate for a more culturally Ethics approval and consent to participate
sensitive approach to treating PTSD, offering a checklist The researcher submitted the Ethical Clearance form to the
(Table 3) for clinical practitioners. Future studies are Research Ethics Committee (Human) (RECH) at Nelson
recommended to explore diverse cultural understandings Mandela University. Ethical approval (H18-HEA-PSY-011)
of PTSD symptoms in African contexts and to assess the was acquired before commencing data collection. Both
effectiveness of culturally informed coping strategies. written and verbal consent was obtained from each
participant before their involvement in the study.
Acknowledgment
I extend my sincere appreciation to Dr. Layla Cassim for Consent for publication
her comprehensive review of the manuscript, extensive The researcher obtained written and verbal consent from
feedback, and relevant editing contributions. all participants to publish their data, and the author has

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcbp.2889