Abstract

Traumatic event exposure is a common experience worldwide, with some studies suggesting over two-thirds of individuals reporting a lifetime traumatic event (Benjet et al., 2016).  Cultural factors play an important role in the understanding and presentation of traumatic stress reactions.  A variety of social and psychological factors, including factors typically associated with culture, shape reactions to and presentation of traumatic events.  What is meant by "culture?"  How do psychological, environmental, and cultural factors shape the reactions to trauma?   Who is able to access and engage in psychological treatment?  Important predictors of help-seeking will be discussed in the context of a recent research study.

Bio note

Bita Ghafoori is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at California State University Long Beach (CSULB), Director of the Long Beach Trauma Recovery Center, and a licensed clinical psychologist.  She is an expert in the areas of prevention and intervention in trauma-exposed groups, culturally sensitive trauma informed care, and mental health services research.  She is particularly interested in behavioral health, health disparities and health equity, implementation science, and the sociocultural determinants of mental health with a focus on mental health promotion.  Her research has included studies on psychosocial adaptation to crime, violence, and disasters; cultural models of mental illness and service utilization; and the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices for delivery of mental health services to trauma exposed adults and underserved populations.  Her work has been funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health, the National Institutes of Justice, the State of California, the California Endowment, and Dignity Health Foundation.  Her current research encompasses dissemination, implementation, and effectiveness of child, adolescent, and adult trauma-focused mental health services, and access to mental health services among vulnerable populations. During October, she is doing a residence period at Trauma Center and CES-UC , under the Fullbright Programme. 
 

Activity within The Trauma Centre of Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra