Inaugural lecture: Trauma Around the World

Approximately four out of five individuals worldwide have experienced at least one potentially traumatic event in their lives. These events may include accidents, natural disasters, war-related experiences, or interpersonal violence such as physical or sexual abuse. Responses to trauma vary widely: not everyone exhibits symptoms in the same way, nor does everyone develop a trauma-related disorder. Sex and gender play a role, and cultural as well as contextual factors influence how trauma is expressed in different parts of the world.

In this lecture, we will explore risk factors that increase vulnerability to trauma-related disorders, as well as protective factors that may foster resilience. Although evidence-based guidelines for treating trauma-related disorders exist, they are largely developed within Western contexts. There is also a notable lack of research on the effectiveness and feasibility of mental health interventions during ongoing armed conflict. I will discuss what is possible under such challenging circumstances.