Culture and the Assessment of Trauma in Youths

Culture influences or defines youths’ characteristic reactions, methods of expressing reactions, and therapeutic needs following traumatic experiences (Nader, in press; see Box 1). Culture shapes the mediating and moderating factors –the traits, circumstances, and environmental issues that may alter outcomes –associated with traumatic response. Cultural heritage molds the family unit, which in turn helps to form a youth’s identity development (Sonderegger, Barrett, &Creed, 2004). Findings have been mixed regarding many aspects of youths’ traumatic responses. Many factors, including cultural issues, may account for these mixed findings. The norms of one culture may not apply to those of other cultures (Lee, Lei, &Sue, 2001; Rousseau &Drapeau, 1998).