Identifying the effects of racism and coloniality through the power, threat, and meaning framework
Abstract
The 2018 publication of the Power, Threat, and Meaning Framework (PTMF) by the British Psychological Society offers an alternative to diagnostic systems like the DSM and ICD, which have pathologized human suffering and contributed to the oppression of marginalized groups (e.g., Black individuals, women, transgender, non-binary, and non-heterosexual individuals). The PTMF considers human suffering as normal reactions to adverse situations. Supported by scientific evidence, it identifies patterns of emotional distress and problematic behaviors emerging in specific oppressive contexts. The framework aims to understand how individuals' interpretations of their experiences influence patterns of suffering. By recognizing the impact of power on participants' lives and how they cope with threats to their health, professionals and individuals can collaborate in case formulation and treatment planning. This article seeks to introduce the PTMF to the Puerto Rican audience; provide examples of its use in psychological assessment and treatment planning in Puerto Rico to address the effects of racism and colonialism, and propose ways to expand its usage in the region.
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Racism, Colonialism, Coloniality, PTMF, MPAS
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