Swiss trauma victims want to function at all costs
Published: Wednesday, Apr 17th 2024, 10:11
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Swiss trauma victims are more likely to direct their anger at themselves than at others. These are the findings of a new study by the University of Zurich. According to the researchers, this reaction to traumatic experiences is typical of competitive and individualistic societies.
The stressful consequences of traumatic experiences can differ depending on the region of the world, as the University of Zurich (UZH) explained in a press release on Wednesday. The UZH psychologists led by Andreas Maercker wanted to find out what the typical consequences of trauma were in Switzerland. The results were published in the journal "Plos One".
Swiss people with trauma therefore tend to go to great lengths to meet the standards and expectations they have experienced. This includes the belief that they have to function at all costs, the need to remain in control and the tendency to trivialize their own suffering.
Pressure to perform and closeness to nature
For example, people with trauma in Switzerland would try to keep a job and avoid becoming dependent on social welfare. "These results are in line with the core values of Swiss society, which focuses on achievement and success," lead author Rahel Bachem was quoted as saying in the press release.
In addition, traumatized people tend not to express their anger to others, but to direct it inwards and against themselves. The researchers explain this with a pressure to conform, which leads to anger not being openly displayed as deviant behavior.
The Zurich researchers also identified culturally specific characteristics for Switzerland in terms of positive changes that people experience after a trauma: according to the university, Swiss trauma victims described a more conscious and particularly intense connection with nature, which can be seen as an important resource in our culture.
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