Advancing trauma studies: A narrative literature review embracing a holistic perspective and critiquing traditional models

Abstract

Background: Trauma is commonly understood as a psychological and emotional response to distressing events. The subjective nature of trauma experiences has led to ongoing debates about the best theoretical frameworks for understanding and addressing trauma. This review aims to comprehensively critique traditional biomedical and psychological models and advocates for more inclusive and culturally sensitive frameworks. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted, synthesizing data from 96 peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and authoritative reports from databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. The review focused on studies related to trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, and related disorders, emphasizing both individual and socio-cultural aspects. Results: The review identifies several key criticisms of trauma models. For biological models, critiques include the oversimplification of trauma experiences, insufficient developmental considerations, failure to capture diverse trauma responses, limited cultural sensitivity, and inadequacy of the categorical approach. For psychological models, criticisms encompass an overemphasis on internal processes, neglect of developmental impacts, limited focus on symptom diversity, challenges in addressing socio-cultural contexts, and incomplete integration of emotional and relational aspects. These findings underscore the need for more comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and developmentally informed trauma frameworks. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of adopting a holistic perspective in trauma research and treatment. By integrating individual, interpersonal, and socio-cultural dimensions, future research and interventions can better support trauma survivors. This approach necessitates ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration and the inclusion of diverse voices, including those of trauma survivors, to refine current methodologies and enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Keywords

• Holistic approach
• Narrative literature review
• PTSD
• Psychological model
• Socio-cultural factors
• Trauma