Colloquium

Date
Wed May 3rd 2023, 3:45 - 5:00pm
Location
Department of Psychology, Building 420, Room 041, followed by a reception in Psychology Lounge

Professor Monnica Williams, Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Mental Health Disparities at the University of Ottawa Associate

Dr. Williams is a clinical psychologist and associate professor who is known for her work in the field of race-based traumatic stress and racial trauma. She has conducted extensive research on the impact of racial discrimination and prejudice on mental health outcomes, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities.

Title: Racial Trauma: The Racism-PTSD Connection 

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) describes the constellation of symptoms that may occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Anyone exposed to traumatic event is at risk to develop PTSD, and this typically includes survivors of violent acts or disasters, emergency responders, abuse victims, and combat veterans. However, many other events can be traumatic as well, particularly to people of color.

This presentation will provide an overview of the current research on racial trauma as well as a discussion of the cultural factors relevant to racialized groups, with an emphasis on understanding PTSD caused by experiences of racism, or racial trauma. The various facets of racial trauma will be described, including the experience of historical, cultural, and individual trauma, and how these may or may not fit into a traditional mental health framework.

Join us the before the presentation at 3:30 pm for cookies, coffee, and conversation outside room 041.