Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40898672›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being2025

World assumptions and their role when facing trauma in urban Sierra Leone: a complementary mixed methods study.

Andreas Steidl, Aruna Kamara, Abdul Aziz, Anthony Sheku Massaquoi, Silvia Exenberger

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Article in International journal of qualitative studies on health and well-being, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Andreas SteidlDepartment of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.ORCID 0009-0002-2001-8032
Aruna KamaraScience Department, Freetown Polytechnic, Freetown, Sierra Leone.ORCID 0009-0001-0226-0629
Abdul AzizDepartment of Sociology and Social Work, University of Science and Technology, Makeni, Sierra Leone.ORCID 0009-0009-8721-1874
Anthony Sheku MassaquoiDepartment of Business Administration and Entrepreneurship, Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.ORCID 0009-0003-1583-3099
Silvia ExenbergerDepartment of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.ORCID 0000-0002-6256-3058

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

background and purposeConcerns have been raised about the cross-cultural applicability of Western-centric models of world assumptions, questioning their universality, patterns and role when facing trauma. Within a trauma-focused research project in Sierra Leone, this sub-study examines these issues in the local context.

methodsWe conducted a qualitatively driven mixed methods study (embedded design) from an emic-etic perspective. Qualitative interviews explored the assumptive worlds of 16 students, while questionnaires examining how assumptions were affected by trauma were completed by 280 students. All participants had experienced traumatic events (DSM-5). In addition, four expert interviews were conducted to address both aspects.

findingsThe concept of world assumptions (benevolence, meaningfulness, self) was found to be relevant in the Sierra Leonean sample; however, the patterns differed from those typically documented in Western societies. Additional assumptions concerning the self, the world, others, and meaningfulness were identified. Quantitative results indicated that participants' assumptive worlds were challenged by trauma, shaping their personal life stories and identities.

conclusionsTo strengthen culturally sensitive investigations, we propose renaming certain domains and dimensions to more neutral and inclusive ones, and considering additional facets. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of world assumptions and their role in diverse cultural contexts.

Indexed as

Psychological TraumaAdolescentAdultFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleQualitative ResearchSierra LeoneSurveys and QuestionnairesUrban PopulationYoung Adultembedded designmixed methodsSierra Leonetraumaworld assumptions

Identifiers

PMID40898672
PMCPMC12409864

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