Differences Among Ethnic Groups in Trauma Type and PTSD Symptom Severity

Abstract

Psychologists are interested in individual characteristics associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to better understand stress and stress responses. The current literature is mixed about differences among ethnic groups for trauma and PTSD symptom endorsement and severity. Culture-specific perspectives lend different interpretations of potentially traumatic events, suggesting that members from different ethnic groups experience stressors differently and may consequently endorse different symptoms. Although some studies have examined differences among ethnic groups with respect to mental illness, research on the relationship between ethnicity and endorsement of trauma or PTSD symptoms is limited. Further, few studies have explored explanations for such differences. Group differences in symptom endorsement between individuals from African American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Caucasian ethnic groups will be examined. Additionally, hypothesized reasons for these differences (such as response bias and methodological issues) will be explored. This review highlights the importance of considering ethnicity-specific as well as methodological factors that influence endorsement of traumatic events and PTSD symptoms in response to traumatic stressors. This review will guide treatment providers in understanding and appropriately assessing PTSD symptoms by enhancing their understanding of the role of culture.