Sameness and Diversity in Families Across Five Continents

ABSTRACT

The tumultuousness throughout the world, both in terms of people-precipitated and naturally caused crises and disasters, seems to have escalated in the last 30 years. Few areas of the globe have been left untouched. This article addresses some of the major forces and trends that have erupted, occurred, or accelerated during this time frame, with some allusions to their historical roots, particularly considering their impact on families in many regions of the world, the upheavals, dislocations and relocations, multiple separations and deaths, unfathomable losses and changes in family structures and sometimes belief systems. It also addresses the urgency of having mental health professionals trained in multicultural trauma and disaster psychology and knowing how to help survivors recognize and claim their courage, strengths, and resiliency so that after they mourn the tragedies they have experienced, they can move into the present and build a better future.

KEYWORDS:

• Megatrends
• trauma
• crisis
• unanticipated upheavals
• impact on family
• dislocation
• resiliency

Notes

1. Since this paper was written, a steering committee has been formed to organize Therapists Without Borders and we have applied for a 501 C 3 status. It is a multinational organization of individuals rather than of organizations. Our first formal meeting is scheduled for August 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Ahrons, C. R. (1983). The binuclear family: Parenting roles and relationships. (unpublished paper)