Beyond PTSD: Black Male Fragility in the Context of Trauma

ABSTRACT

Homicide is the leading cause of death among Black males aged 18–25. By the year 2020, children of color will become the majority of youth in the United States 18 years of age and under. However, despite the trajectory of youth of color in America, there is a dearth of research that investigates their experiences. The current study investigates the effects of traumatic experiences, and how they impact the psychological disposition of Black males living in violent communities. In our sample, we identified multiple complex symptoms of trauma, and evidence that suggests that exposure to recurring violence and fears of death materially alters one’s psychological disposition and ability to function. Results of the study add to the literature by extending the understanding of Black males beyond traditional typologies and medical classifications of PTSD. The current study challenges the research community to understand the cultural context of Black males and the underlying behaviors that are associated with PTSD symptoms. The current study extends the understanding of hypervigilance by highlighting the impact of the code of the streets while elucidating the significance of internalized stigma.

KEYWORDS:

• Trauma
• PTSD
• black males
• community violence
• stress

Ethical Standards and Informed Consent

All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000. Informed consent was obtained from all patients for being included in the study.