A Foundation for Trauma-Informed Understanding by Noor Haidar and Reem Ismail Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain’s neuronal circuits structurally and functionally to adapt. Epigenetics, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and white matter plasticity are four neuroplastic mechanisms that facilitate learning and adaptation. An epigenetic influence enhances adaptation to current or future environments by regulating gene expression; neurogenesis involves the integration […]
by Noor Haidar and Mona Noureddin Migration is defined as “the geographic movement of individuals across a specified boundary for the purpose of establishing a new residence” (Xu et al., 2018). The number of immigrants, both those who migrate internally and externally, has increased in the past few decades, notably in the Middle East, where war, poverty, and political instability […]
Intergenerational Trauma by Mona Noureddine and Reem Ismail War and political instability are very prominent in the Middle East. As a result, individuals in Middle Eastern countries experience high levels of trauma and stress. Trauma and stress have been found to extend beyond the individual, to the point where family members in subsequent generations may experience an increased rate of […]
Challenging Misconceptions and Stereotyping on Mental Health in the Middle East by Noor Haidar and Reem Ismail In the Arab world, mental health is perceived as an anomaly that deviates from mainstream social norms. In Lebanese culture specifically, one might often hear that only the “unstable” or “crazy” seek mental health treatment or admit their struggles. Initially, the West saw […]
Understanding the Long-Term Mental Health Impact of the Beirut Blast and Similar Traumatic Events by Lana Kamareddine and Lea Bdeir Why should we study the effect of exposure to a blast on mental health? It happened years ago and didn’t affect us that severely. Right? Well, no. Not only is mental health a personal issue, but it is also an […]
by Lea Bdeir and Daniel Tannir Many individuals experience traumatic events that lead to significant effects on their mental health. The effects, long or short-lasting, positive or negative, are vital to the understanding of our research in the Cognitive Science Department at Operation Twelve. One of such effects is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, better recognized as PTSD. PTSD is a clinical […]
A Deep Dive into the Cognitive Aspects of Trauma by Anabel Massabki and Lana Kamareddine Exposure to trauma can have an enduring impact on an individual’s mental well-being. In the Cognitive Science Department at Operation Twelve, we are interested in researching how trauma, or an emotional response to a disturbing event, can impact our cognition, thinking, perception, reasoning, and judgment […]