This paper will discuss the cultural assessment and implications for a black boy with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following being shot six years ago. The cultural assessment and implications for this individual will be examined through the lens of psychology, particularly concerning the individual’s unique experience as a black male in a society with a history of systemic racism and oppression. Additionally, this paper will explore the clinical diagnosis of PTSD in the context of this individual and the cultural assessment and implications associated with the condition.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition experienced by individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. PTSD severely impacts the boy’s mental and physical health, particularly devastating for the boy who has experienced racial trauma (Javidi & Yadollahie, 2012). When assessing the cultural implications of PTSD for the black boy, it is vital to consider the impact of racism, which is particularly damaging for those who have experienced or witnessed racial trauma. The boy experienced various emotions, from shock and disbelief to anger and fear. In addition, the boy experienced flashbacks, intrusive memories, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, the boy also experienced anxiety, depression, and difficulty in trusting relationships.
It is also essential to consider the impact of stigma and discrimination associated with the boy’s race. Such stigma may contribute to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and an increased sense of vulnerability. The boy felt a sense of hopelessness and helplessness and struggled to find positive outlets for his emotions. When assessing the cultural implications of PTSD, it is crucial to ensure that he receives culturally-sensitive care that acknowledges his background and the cultural implications of his trauma, including providing access to mental health. Professionals who are familiar with the cultural context of the boy’s experience and provide access to culturally-specific support groups and resources (Holmes et al., 2015). In addition, the boy’s family and community must be involved in his treatment and recovery, as they can provide invaluable support and understanding.
From the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by various mental health issues, including PTSD. As such, it should be considered part of any clinical diagnosis. These include psychological, social, and economic issues. For instance, on the psychological level, the boy experienced symptoms of PTSD that included intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares. He also had difficulty concentrating, sleeping, controlling his emotions, and isolating himself from others. These symptoms lead to further distress, stigma, and helplessness.
Furthermore, on the social level, he experienced discrimination, prejudice, and stigma due to his mental health condition, which led to feelings of alienation, rejection, and exclusion from social groups and activities (Comas-Díaz et al., 2019). These feelings of alienation and exclusion further lead to a lack of self-esteem and difficulty forming meaningful relationships. Finally, on the economic level, the boy experienced difficulty finding and keeping employment due to his mental health condition leading to further economic hardship and making it more difficult to afford medical care and other resources necessary to manage the symptoms of PTSD.
The clinical diagnosis, in this case, should include a comprehensive evaluation of his mental and physical health and functioning. It involves taking a detailed history of the traumatic event, assessing the severity and duration of the trauma, and identifying any current symptoms. It also includes intrusive thoughts, avoidance of trauma reminders, mood, and mental state changes, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, the evaluation should consider any contributing cultural factors that could impact his mental health, such as stigma surrounding mental health issues in the black community, discrimination, lack of access to resources due to poverty, and lack of insurance (Foa et al., 2018). The diagnosis could also include assessing any co-occurring mental health issues, for instance, depression, anxiety, or substance abuse. Treatment recommendations would then be tailored to the individual’s needs, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication, or other interventions.
In conclusion, this paper has discussed the cultural assessment and implications for a black boy with post-traumatic stress disorder following being shot six years ago. Through the lens of psychology, this paper has explored the individual’s unique experience as a black male in a society with a history of systemic racism and oppression. Additionally, the clinical diagnosis of PTSD has been examined in the context of this individual and the cultural assessment and implications associated with the condition. It is essential to recognize the cultural implications of PTSD for black males and to provide appropriate treatments that consider the individual’s identity and experiences.
References
Comas-Díaz, L., Hall, G. N., & Neville, H. A. (2019). Racial trauma: Theory, research, and healing: Introduction to the special issue. American Psychologist, 74(1), 1. https://povcinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/RACIAL-TRAUMA_theory-research-healing_2019.pdf
Foa, E. B., Asnaani, A., Zang, Y., Capaldi, S., & Yeh, R. (2018). Psychometrics of the Child PTSD Symptom Scale for DSM-5 for trauma-exposed children and adolescents. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 47(1), 38-46. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15374416.2017.1350962
Holmes, C., Levy, M., Smith, A., Pinne, S., & Neese, P. (2015). A model for creating a supportive trauma-informed culture for children in preschool settings. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(6), 1650–1659. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10826-014-9968-6
Javidi, H., & Yadollahie, M. (2012). Post-traumatic stress disorder. https://www.sid.ir/en/Journal/ViewPaper.aspx?ID=219947
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