October Psychology Course Spotlight: Intercultural Perspectives on Trauma
- A Farrell
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
What counts as trauma and who decides?
This month’s spotlight course is PSYC E-1015: Intercultural Perspectives on Trauma, taught by Mayron Piccolo, PhD. Students examine psychological trauma through a multicultural lens, exploring how culture shapes the experience, perception, and assessment of trauma beyond Western perspectives.
Course Overview
PSYC E-1015: Intercultural Perspectives on Trauma
Format: Online Synchronous
This course challenges Western frameworks of psychological trauma, asking how diverse cultural experiences shape the way trauma is perceived, assessed, and addressed. Students explore trauma among veterans, refugees, and women in marginalized communities while developing a deeper understanding of culturally grounded responses and research methods.
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Mayron Piccolo is a licensed psychologist and behavior analyst originally from Brazil. Dedicated to advancing mental health and well-being among historically marginalized populations, including individuals with psychiatric disorders, immigrants, and refugees. His current research explores the potential of communal music as a social reward to promote development and resilience in young children from these communities.
He earned his master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Universidade Estadual de Londrina in Brazil. Awarded the prestigious Swiss Excellence Scholarship, Dr. Piccolo completed his PhD in Psychology at the University of Fribourg, focusing on reward processing and eating behaviors. During his doctoral studies, he was also awarded a mobility fellowship to work with leading researchers at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, studying neural signatures linked to major depressive disorder.
Dr. Piccolo serves as a lecturer at Harvard University, where he has received multiple teaching excellence awards, and as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Columbia University. He combines his academic expertise with community engagement, collaborating with NGOs and local partners to create evidence-based mental health resources for at-risk populations.
Why Take This Course?
Explore Cultural Perspectives on Trauma: Understand how different cultures shape the experience and meaning of traumatic events.
Challenge Western Assumptions: Question universal models of trauma and learn to apply culturally valid methods of assessment.
Examine Real-World Impact: Study trauma among veterans, refugees, and marginalized groups through a global lens.
Apply Inclusive Approaches: Gain skills to address trauma thoughtfully in research, clinical practice, and community work.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for students in psychology, social work, anthropology, public health, or related fields, as well as anyone interested in understanding trauma through a multicultural lens. Whether you’re focused on clinical practice, research, or community advocacy, this class offers valuable perspectives on how culture shapes traumatic experiences and healing.
If you want to broaden your knowledge of trauma beyond Western frameworks and learn culturally sensitive approaches to assessment and care, PSYC E-1015: Intercultural Perspectives on Trauma is the course for you.
