Truth in myth: Ancient Stories' windows on treating modern trauma

Abstract

AbstractAimExamine frameworks of myth in the theory and treatment of sequalae of intimate and interpersonal traumas, often seen and experienced by practicing nurses.DesignA discursive narrative review using a trauma‐informed lens.MethodsReview of existing frameworks using myth to understand or treat trauma. Due to limited literature from 1945 to 2023, a strategy akin to snowball sampling was used: exploration of source references, an unstructured interview, and a synthesis of existing approaches to interpersonal and intimate trauma.ResultsEffective treatments for post‐traumatic stress disorder exist, but reach is limited. Nursing is under‐represented in the existing literature on myth and trauma, which does not sufficiently include intimate and interpersonal traumas.ConclusionEncounters with myths encourage healing from interpersonal violence by making clear connections to universal themes while engaging intellect and emotions.Implications for the Profession and/or Patient CareEncounters with myths could help to mitigate trauma sequalae. Nurses are positioned to develop and test evidence‐based, highly flexible, patient‐centred interventions using myth.Impact Identified gap: research using myth to address intimate and interpersonal violence. Under‐studied intervention: a few works suggest myth encounters benefit combat trauma survivors. All nurses encounter individuals with trauma histories. Myths may build empathy and efficacy. Reporting MethodNo EQUATOR guidelines were discovered for the paper format.Patient/Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.