Citation

Makhashvili N, Tsiskarishvili L, Drožđek B. Traumatology 2010; 16(4): 63-72.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, Publisher APA Journals)

DOI

10.1177/1534765610388302

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article presents a model for large-scale public mental health interventions appropriate in the context of the Georgian culture and society. Peculiarities of traumatized communities in the country and their link to sociohistorical events and overall cultural identity are explored; Post-Soviet identity—in particular—as an important factor influencing traumatic impact is discussed. It is suggested that an appropriate large-scale public mental health intervention can not be properly designed without considering the sociopolitical and cultural context of a recipient community. The article also analyses the importance of combining complementary approaches—individually focused trauma treatment and community-based psychosocial assistance. Together, they form a bridge that integrates the individual and the extended Self/village experiences, and facilitates individual and communal coping. Finally, some basic ingredients of culturally-sensitive interventions are presented.