Trauma in Context: Narrative Themes on Responses of Trauma Survivors in South Africa

In this paper, the researchers investigate trauma survivors' understanding of causes of illness and the treatment choice. The study was conducted in the rural communities of the Vhembe District in South Africa. Seventy-five participants were purposively selected for the study. Focus group discussions were conducted with the participants. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. It emerged from the study that the participants perceived trauma as the financial problem that an individual experiences after a traumatic event and a feeling of loss and grief. They gave symptoms of trauma that fit the DSM-IV criteria. Future study with a larger sample is recommended to increase the transferability of the findings to people in similar situations.