DEVELOPING CULTURALLY RELEVANT INTERVENTION PLAN FOR PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA:: AN APPLICATION OF COMMUNITY BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH APPROACH FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Community Based Intervention For Psychological Trauma

Abstract

Objective: To develop culturally relevant intervention plan for psychological trauma using community based participatory research approach in times of crisis. Study Design: Qualitative study. Place and Duration of Study: Army Public School (APS) Peshawar, from Dec 2014 to May 2015.
Material and Methods: The participants included 35 teachers, 60 parents and 5 administrative staff of the Army Public School (APS), Peshawar Pakistan, who participated in the consultative group meetings over a period of 6 months starting from a week after the APS attack on December 16th, 2014. The participants through a collaborative process identified the community needs, priorities and resources. The goal was to generate realistic intervention plan which can be implemented and widely accepted by the community. Data, based on the discussions in group meetings were transcribed and analyzed for themes and developing intervention plan. Results: The participatory research approach with the community helped design the culturally sensitive intervention plan for the trauma stabilization of the affected community. The study design was helpful in addressing the needs assessed; restoring sense of safety, respecting the emotional needs as per cultural norms and helping the community reconnect and resume normal functioning. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of adopting a culturally sensitive approach and including community in designing and delivering the intervention for psychological trauma. Keywords: Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR), Mental health, Psychological trauma, School Attack.

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