Ted Talk: Finding a New Identity after Oppression, Charissa Pizarroopens in new window
In January 2024, I participated in the International Learning Partner Program (ILPP) in Tanzania, Africa. The ILLP is a program sponsored by APA’s Office of International Affairs. This program allows participants to learn about the development of the field of Psychology in different parts of the world. The program is designed to facilitate international collaboration and exchange of ideas and resources. Through this program, we visited several government and state agencies, universities, neurological institutes, as well as other organizations involved with providing psychological services for trauma survivors, cancer patients, and substance abuse and alcohol treatment.
Each agency, organization, or institution of higher education presented on their services, the populations they serve, as well as shortcomings or concerns of the respective organization in the hopes that we could brainstorm ideas to troubleshoot these issues. Recurring themes were that the mental health field is short-staffed and under-serviced. For example, one organization director expressed his frustration with the system as he noted that perpetrators of abuse receive treatment while abuse victims do not. Please note, abuse victims tend to be women and children.
It is of note that the field of Psychology in Tanzania is in its infancy and only formally began approximately 10 years ago. Mental health professionals are either at the Bachelor's or the Master's level. Individuals who desire to pursue a doctorate degree have to study outside of Tanzania.
Tanzania has a population of 63.59 million people. More than 50% of the population in Tanzania is 18 and under. Violence against children in Tanzania is rampant. In a recent study it was found that 3 out of 10 girls (27.9%) between the ages of 13 and 24 experienced sexual violence before age 18. In the same age group 1 out of 7 boys (13.4%) experienced sexual violence prior to age 18. Rates of physical violence are higher than those of sexual abuse. Almost 75% of girls and boys in Tanzania have experienced physical violence before the age of 18. About 25% of girls and boys have experienced emotional violence. There is also a high rate of overlap where children who have experienced sexual violence have also experienced physical violence (8 out of 10 boys and girls) and emotional violence (4 in 10 girls and 1 in 2 boys). Besides the forms of violence discussed here, there are many other risk factors for trauma in Tanzania which have not been studied.
While there is increased awareness of this situation afoot, there are limited ways to address it. For example, there are only 0.06 psychiatrists and 0.01 psychologists per 100, 000 individuals to service mental health issues including trauma.
Given the lack of mental health services and service providers especially those who work with children and families who have experienced trauma, we are putting forth the following Diversity Initiative.
We will be presenting at least 4 training sessions of about 1 hour each in duration to be presented remotely. The trainings are for mental health providers who work with children and families. Each training will cover basic information about trauma and its effects across all spheres of functioning. Violence and other factors associated with trauma will also be discussed. Recordings will be available for those who cannot attend live or for future use. Individuals with expertise in trauma and the like are invited to join us in this important effort to help expand psychological services for children and families in dire need.
If anyone is interested in participating as a presenter or in any other capacity, please email Division 37’s Member at Large for Task Force and Diversity Initiatives, Charissa D. Pizarro, PsyD.
References
Obasi, A. Seekles, M., Boshe, J., Dow, D., Mmbaga, B., Ngakongwa, F., & et al. (2022). Adolescent mental health research in Tanzania: A study protocol for priority setting exercise and the development of an interinstitutional capacity strengthening program. BMJ, 12 (2). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054163