Fostering cultural resilience: assessing the success of a locally engaged and adapted mental health intervention in Gaza

In ongoing-conflict-affected regions like Gaza, the prevalence of complex and intersecting post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) necessitates innovative interventions. Our study explores a mental health care approach that has been culturally adapted for 15 years to address the complex landscape of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in public health 2024-07, Vol.12, p.1390211
Main Authors: Rockowitz, Sarah, Bayoumi, Rasha, Parr, Nora, Awad, Abdullah, Altawil, Mohamed, Elmusharaf, Khalifa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Arabs - psychology
cultural competence
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Health Services
Middle East
Palestine
Program Evaluation
PTSD
Public Health
Resilience, Psychological
science diplomacy
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
trauma
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Summary:In ongoing-conflict-affected regions like Gaza, the prevalence of complex and intersecting post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) necessitates innovative interventions. Our study explores a mental health care approach that has been culturally adapted for 15 years to address the complex landscape of PTSD in the Gaza Strip. Tarkiz was initially developed as 'Focusing', a metacognitive approach founded by Eugene Gendlin in 1950s Chicago. Tarkiz has been iteratively adapted and implemented for over a decade in Gaza by a team of local practitioners. The program's unique emphasis lies in its engagement approach, which relies on community participation and partnership building. The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the perceived success of the program from the perspectives of the practitioners who adapted and delivered the program and the clients who participated in it. Data collection was driven by a multicultural research team, and prioritized capacity-building opportunities for Palestinian practitioners who lead on the development of research questions defining success. This exemplifies a successful science diplomacy model, emphasizing a collaborative approach, cultural sensitivity, and adaptable partnerships essential in global public health.
ISSN:2296-2565
2296-2565
DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2024.1390211