Integrating trauma psychology and cultural psychology: Indigenous perspectives on theory, research, and practice.

Abstract

Several scholars have called for a greater integration of trauma psychology with cultural psychology; however, challenges to successful integration exist and should be carefully considered. Indigenous scholars and researchers have successfully bridged the gap between the two fields in recent years with regard to theory, research, and clinical application. Therefore, Indigenous perspectives, informed by historical, cultural, and epistemological standpoints, are uniquely positioned to provide a transformational framework for redirecting the process and impact of integrating cultural psychology with trauma psychology. We review theoretical, empirical, and clinical intervention examples and explore implications for the integration of trauma psychology and cultural psychology within a framework that respects Indigenous communities’ sovereignty and rights to self-determination.