Navigating the Challenges of Travel for PTSD Survivors in Sri Lanka

Tourism Management

This qualitative study delves into the nuanced challenges confronting individuals contending with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during travel in Sri Lanka. Framed within trauma theory, the research uncovers the profound impact of cultural nuances, societal attitudes, social support networks, and infrastructural challenges on the travel experiences of PTSD survivors. Cultural norms perpetuate a pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, resulting in a culture of silence and exacerbating the difficulties faced during travel. The study advocates for culturally sensitive interventions and community-based awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health and foster an environment conducive to disclosure. Family and community bonds emerge as influential factors shaping PTSD disclosure, with strong family networks providing support while societal challenges contribute to hesitancy. Broader societal awareness and education are deemed crucial to reduce stigma and build understanding within communities, promoting inclusivity for PTSD survivors during travel. Additionally, infrastructural challenges, encompassing limited accessibility and awareness, impede seamless movement, intensifying reluctance to disclose. The study underscores the imperative of informed and accessible support systems, improved mental health resource accessibility, and societal awareness initiatives to mitigate challenges in travel experiences. Managerial implications encompass adopting trauma-informed approaches, customizing services, promoting mental health awareness, developing inclusive policies, collaborating with mental health professionals, and advocating for sustainable tourism practices within the travel industry. Overall, this study contributes to the evolving discourse on mental health, travel, and societal inclusion, offering recommendations and insights for fostering empathy, understanding, and support for individuals navigating PTSD within diverse societal landscapes in Sri Lanka.

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