There is a long-held assumption in theory and practice, that locates trauma and mental ill-health in the category of non-communicable diseases. The basis for such categorization is that it is viewed more as a psychological, rather than sociological phenomenon. This study critiques this conventional understanding by presenting evidence that trauma transcends individual psychological boundaries and manifests as a communicable phenomenon within social and cultural contexts. By exploring the interplay between individual experiences and collective societal impacts, the paper argues that trauma, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings, is deeply communicative, affecting relationships, communities, and intergenerational dynamics. The findings aim to shift the discourse on trauma and mental ill-health towards a more integrated understanding of its societal transmission and impact, drawing attention to the reality that beyond the individual, the communicability of trauma manifests as a societal phenomenon.
Cite this paper
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