A recent study has revealed that the biological impact of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) varies across cultures challenging previous findings based on Western populations. Conducted by researchers from Arizona State University (ASU) and the Naval Postgraduate School study focused on the Turkana pastoralists in Kenya, a group exposed to high levels of combat-related trauma due to cattle raids.
Unlike prior studies on PTSD which primarily examined industrialized societies, this research explored how cortisol and testosterone levels respond to trauma in a non-industrialized setting. In Western studies, PTSD has been associated with “blunted” cortisol levels a lack of the normal rise-and-fall pattern throughout the day.
However, among the Turkana, no such hormonal difference was found between those with PTSD and those without. Instead, men with PTSD showed lower testosterone levels upon waking.
Sarah Mathew, an associate professor at ASU “We can’t answer basic questions about human biology by only studying industrialized populations”. The study suggests physical activity, cultural traditions and social integration might play a role in regulating hormonal responses to trauma. Unlike Western soldiers, Turkana warriors receive strong community support elevated status and culturally sanctioned rituals after raids, which could buffer them from severe physiological PTSD effects.
While the study provides valuable insights into the cultural factors influencing PTSD, researchers emphasize that more investigation is needed to fully understand the link between trauma and hormonal regulation across different societies.
