Cultural Variations in PTSD Effects Observed in Turkana Warriors

Recent research has revealed that the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can significantly differ based on cultural contexts. A study focused on Turkana warriors, pastoralists from Kenya, has provided new insights into the hormonal responses associated with PTSD, contrasting findings from previous studies primarily conducted in industrialized societies.

PTSD, which affects approximately 3.9% of the global population according to the World Health Organization, can occur after individuals experience or witness traumatic events. In the United States, this statistic is notably higher, reaching about 6%. Despite its prevalence, many aspects of PTSD remain poorly understood.

The collaborative research team from Arizona State University and the Naval Postgraduate School aimed to explore the interplay between the hormones cortisol and testosterone and PTSD in a non-industrialized society. Their findings were published in the journal Evolution, Medicine, & Public Health, indicating a lack of significant evidence connecting PTSD with hormonal dysregulation among the Turkana.

Previous studies on PTSD have predominantly examined individuals in Western contexts, focusing on various traumas such as car accidents and military deployments. These studies typically found that individuals with PTSD exhibited abnormal cortisol levels, characterized by minimal fluctuations throughout the day. Normally, cortisol levels peak shortly after awakening and gradually decline, a pattern disrupted in many PTSD cases.

The primary goal of the researchers was to determine whether similar hormonal patterns would be evident among the Turkana warriors, who experience frequent combat exposure. Notably, 28% of the male population in this group shows symptoms of PTSD, allowing for a direct comparison between those diagnosed and those without the disorder.

Surprisingly, the study revealed no significant differences in cortisol levels between Turkana warriors with provisional PTSD diagnoses and those without. Both groups exhibited similar cortisol patterns. However, the researchers noted that Turkana men diagnosed with PTSD had lower testosterone levels upon waking compared to their counterparts without PTSD.

This research prompts a reevaluation of existing narratives regarding human physiological responses to combat stress, emphasizing the need for skepticism towards generalized claims that may overlook cultural and contextual factors.

Living as mobile pastoralists in Kenya near the border with South Sudan exposes the Turkana to significant dangers, including cattle raiding, which often results in violence and loss of life. The study's authors highlight the cultural and social dimensions of the Turkana warriors, who, unlike soldiers in state armies, receive strong community support and cultural validation for their roles, which may mitigate some negative physiological responses to trauma.

The research raises critical questions about why Turkana warriors display normal cortisol levels despite experiencing PTSD, suggesting potential influences from physical activity and cultural practices. Further investigation is necessary to unravel these complexities.

The researchers maintain a collaborative relationship with the Turkana community, sharing their findings and acknowledging the invaluable support received from the local population for their research initiatives. This partnership underscores the importance of community engagement in conducting meaningful and impactful studies.