Exploring Historical Trauma and Associated Symptoms Among Indo-Caribbean Immigrants Residing in the United States of America

Victoria Ambika Lewis, Pace University

Abstract

Historical trauma refers to massive, repeated, trans-generational, group trauma, inflicted upon a group, often a minority group, by a prevailing dominant group, for an extended period of time. This occurs through modes of occupation, colonization, colonialism, slavery, war, or genocide. A strong ethnic identity may increase thoughts of historical trauma and its effects in the present. However, strong ethnic identity may also provide a mode of connection and group continuity with others who share a similar ethnic identity, which may mitigate the present-day effects of historical trauma. The Indo-Caribbean-American community is one that holds a unique identity of “twice migration”, as well as a history of trauma due to British colonization of India, and indentured servitude to the Caribbean. The present online survey study sought to examine the frequency of thinking about and awareness of historical trauma/loss, and its associated mental health symptoms among the culturally unique, Indo-Caribbean diaspora residing in the U.S. A total of 78 participants were included in data analyses, exploring quantitative responses about their strength of Indo-Caribbean ethnic identity, awareness/frequency of thinking about historical trauma, historical loss associated symptoms, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Participants on average exhibited strong commitment and exploration of their Indo-Caribbean ethnic identity and reported thinking about historical trauma experienced by their ancestors on a monthly to yearly frequency. Greater strength of Indo-Caribbean ethnic identity was associated with greater awareness/frequency of thinking about historical trauma as well as with historical loss associated symptoms but was not associated with depression or anxiety symptoms. Greater awareness/frequency of thinking about historical trauma was associated with higher levels of historical loss associated symptoms, depression symptoms, and anxiety symptoms. Strength of Indo-Caribbean ethnic identity was tested as, but not found to be, a moderator of the association between awareness/frequency of thinking about historical trauma and historical loss associated symptoms. Results highlight the importance of addressing the impact of historical trauma and its associated symptoms among Indo-Caribbean Americans, an ethnic group that is often mis-categorized or not acknowledged in the U.S. Greater understanding of cultural differences, intersectionality, and history would benefit advocacy for this group, and enhance culturally responsive care and clinical treatment.

Subject Area

Psychology|Ethnic studies|Clinical psychology|Mental health

Recommended Citation

Lewis, Victoria Ambika, "Exploring Historical Trauma and Associated Symptoms Among Indo-Caribbean Immigrants Residing in the United States of America" (2023). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI30819137.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI30819137

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