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1Psychology Services, VA Medical Center, Coatesville, PA 19320.
Summary
American Indian healers offer valuable insights into treating psychological combat reactions. Integrating their traditional healing practices can enhance mainstream mental health approaches for conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder.
Area of Science:
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Indigenous healing practices
- Trauma studies
Background:
- Traditional Western psychology often overlooks indigenous healing.
- American Indian cultural perceptions of war influence combat reaction treatment.
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms require culturally sensitive approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce clinical implications of American Indian perceptions and treatment of psychological combat reactions.
- To encourage integration of American Indian healing practices into mainstream mental health.
- To bridge the gap between Anglo psychological traditions and indigenous healing.
Main Methods:
- Examination of American Indian views on war and warriors.
- Analysis of cultural perceptions influencing combat reaction treatment.
- Review of attitudes toward American Indian healing techniques.
Main Results:
- Cultural perceptions of war significantly shape the understanding of combat reactions.
- Indigenous healing practices offer alternative therapeutic models.
- Anglo mental health professionals may benefit from incorporating these practices.
Conclusions:
- American Indian healing traditions possess valuable clinical insights for mental health.
- Further examination of indigenous approaches is crucial for effective trauma treatment.
- Openness to diverse healing modalities can improve care for combat veterans.