The Intersectionality of Trauma and Activism: Narratives Constructed From a Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-524
Author(s):  
Ronna Milo Haglili
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Social Activism ◽  
Personal Narratives ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
The Face

The literature on social action in the face of trauma, even while relatively sparse, indicates potential links between these domains of experience. Drawing on this literature, this article explores the meanings made by two mental health professionals who identify as being highly involved in social activism and who experienced past trauma that has significantly affected their lives. The personal narratives of these individuals were compiled from semistructured interviews that were selected for a qualitative thematic analysis. Meaningful recurrent themes indicated mutual influences of social action and trauma. Themes included (1) retraumatization and emotional pain associated with activism, (2) trauma and empathy, (3) healing and transformation through activism, (4) from powerlessness to action, (5) from alienation to validation, and (6) integration of parts of self. When applied within the psychoanalytic context of “witnessing,” data revealed three modes: (1) witnessing oneself, (2) communal witnessing, and (3) the language of activism as a witness. While excessive, overwhelming contact with trauma through activism may, in certain situations, engender risks of retraumatization and psychic stagnation, social activism may serve as a facilitator of intrapsychic movement and trauma transformation. Additionally, processing trauma through psychotherapy may contribute to an effective activism. Therefore, while trauma may involve devastating consequences, this article illustrates how people who experienced trauma may avert psychological states of helplessness and powerlessness, and processes and conditions by which individuals who endured trauma may develop a humane, compassionate view of self and others.

scholarly journals “I am just like everyone else, except for a nine-digit number”: A Thematic Analysis of the Experiences of DREAMers

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Méndez-Pounds ◽  
Denise Nicholas ◽  
Natali Gonzalez ◽  
Jason Whiting
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Undocumented Students ◽  
Dream Act ◽  
Digit Number ◽  
Analysis Study ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
The Us ◽  
Collective Survival

This qualitative thematic analysis study explored the experiences of DREAMers, undocumented students raised in the US awaiting the passage of the DREAM Act. We used a phenomenologically-informed textual analysis which resulted in a summary essence of the experience of DREAMers, describing how even though DREAMers are like other contributing members of society “except for a nine-digit number,” certain characteristics make their experience unique. Two websites containing experiences of individuals identifying as DREAMers as they wait for the passage of the DREAM Act, were analyzed to draw out specific themes that represented DREAMers’ experiences. Results revealed the following themes, Uncertainty about the Future, Resilience in Spite of Barriers, Education as a Form of Identity and Empowerment, the Influence of Time, Family Sacrifices for a Better Life, Disconnect from their Countries of Origin, the Meaning of “Undocumented,” and “Collective Survival.” These were summarized in a description of the essence of the phenomenon. These themes suggest implications for researchers and mental health professionals working with this population and highlight the significance of the unique experiences of DREAMers.

Asking the Hard Questions: Psychologists’ Discomfort With Inquiring About Sexual Abuse Histories

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110145
Author(s):  
Belinda Nixon ◽  
Elly Quinlan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Early Career Psychologists ◽  
University Training

The literature on sexual abuse indicates low rates of inquiry by mental health professionals. This study explores early career psychologists’ experiences of inquiry into their clients’ sexual abuse histories. Twelve Australian psychologists participated in semi-structured interviews with transcripts analyzed using thematic analysis. The vast majority of participants reported that they did not routinely inquire about sexual abuse with barriers including not knowing what to do, discomfort, stigma, and fear of negative outcomes. Participants asserted that their university training in sexual abuse inquiry was inadequate. Findings emphasize the need for the development of an evidence-based framework for sexual abuse training.

scholarly journals Mothers for Others: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Gestational Surrogates’ Child Relinquishment Experiences

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 1336-1340
Author(s):  
Austin P Ferolino ◽  
Mia Angelica D Camposo ◽  
Karla Christianne L Estaño ◽  
Jessa Marie R Tacbobo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Psychological Difficulties ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Gestational Surrogacy ◽  
First Time

Background: Previous studies have shown that surrogates reported high satisfaction with the surrogacy process and no psychological difficulties as a result of child relinquishment. However, the experiential dimension of child relinquishment is an understudied area. Objective: This study sought to provide a more detailed portrait of gestational surrogates’ child relinquishment experiences and the meanings they give to this experience. Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 3 women who experienced commercial gestational surrogacy for the first time. Interview transcripts were transcribed and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Three superordinate themes were generated from the transcripts: (1) undertaking an act of altruism, (2) going through a different kind of motherhood, and (3) promoting a positive body image. Conclusion: Such insights can provide essential knowledge for mental health professionals who are interested in the development of psychological support tailored to promote a smooth emotional transfer of the baby from the surrogate to the intended couple.

scholarly journals On the Question of Integrating Spirituality with Counselling in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Thomas Joseph Parayil ◽  
Tony Sam George
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Treatment Process ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews

This paper explores the therapists’ views and experience on spiritual components in counselling. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis used. The participants were nine mental health professionals from different backgrounds with 15 to 30 years of experience in the field. The four main themes that emerged are faith in God, the power of prayer, forgiveness and wholesome treatment process  

The impact of service user’s suicide on mental health professionals

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. T. Murphy ◽  
L. Clogher ◽  
A. van Laar ◽  
R. O’Regan ◽  
S. McManus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Formal Support ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Negative Publicity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Professional Impact ◽  
Principle Objective

ObjectivesOur principle objective was to examine the personal and professional impact of service user (SU) suicide on mental health professionals (MHPs). We also wished to explore putative demographic or clinical factors relating to SUs or MPHs that could influence the impact of SU suicide for MHPs and explore factors MHPs report as helpful in reducing distress following SU suicide.MethodsA mixed-method questionnaire with quantitative and thematic analysis was utilised.ResultsQuantitative data indicated SU suicide was associated with personal and professional distress with sadness (79.5%), shock (74.5%) and surprise (68.7%) particularly evident with these phenomena lasting less than a year for more than 90% of MHPs. MHPs also reported guilt, reduced self-confidence and a fear of negative publicity. Thematic analysis indicated that some MHPs had greater expertise when addressing SU suicidal ideation and in supporting colleagues after experiencing a SU suicide. Only 17.7% of MHPs were offered formal support following SU suicide.ConclusionSU suicide impacts MHPs personally and professionally in both a positive and negative fashion. A culture and clear pathway of formal support for MHPs to ascertain the most appropriate individualised support dependent on the distress they experience following SU suicide would be optimal.

Attachment and survival in the face of Covid-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-187
Author(s):  
Arturo Ezquerro
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Current Health ◽  
Psychotherapy Practice ◽  
The Social ◽  
Vulnerable People ◽  
The Face

This article aims to explore some of the implications of the coronavirus pandemic on attachment-based psychotherapy practice, in the wider context of lockdown in a traumatised society fighting for survival. In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, it is a duty for psychotherapists and other mental health professionals to carry on working with emotionally vulnerable people, maximising the use of digital technology. The article suggests that this traditional duty may fall short under exceptional circumstances and, so, it might become necessary to go beyond the comfort of the consulting room — in order to address problems effectively in the social, cultural, and political arenas. This article includes an ongoing piece of online clinical work with a patient recovering from psychosis, whilst further reflecting on the current health, economic, and social emergency.

scholarly journals THE SUPPORT NETWORK IN PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH: THE CONCEPTIONS OF WOMEN WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITY

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Fernandes da Silva Carvalho ◽  
Rosineide Santana de Brito
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Physical Disability ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Pregnancy And Childbirth ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
In Pregnancy

This study aimed to investigate the conception of women with physical disability regarding the support network for the exercising of motherhood. It is descriptive-exploratory research, with qualitative approach, whose data were collected through semistructured interviews with 12 women with physical disability, undertaken between April and June 2014. The technique of thematic analysis was used for the treatment of the information, and Symbolic Interactionism was used as the theoretical framework. The interviewees reported the importance of the support of the partner, of family members, and of health professionals, during pregnancy and the postpartum, for them to be able to exercise the maternal role. The absence of this support influenced their conceptions regarding their capacity in this function. One can observe the need to promote the reproductive health of the person with a disability, so as to mitigate the stigmas and thus provide them with appropriate support. In addition to this, the health professionals must be trained to understand holistically their needs and rights.

scholarly journals Psychosocial rehabilitation in mental health care: strategies under construction

2007 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 658-664
Author(s):  
Maria Alice Ornellas Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Psychosocial Rehabilitation ◽  
Rehabilitation Process ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Under Construction ◽  
Health Care Strategies

This study aims to identify the representations about Psychosocial Rehabilitation by Mental Health professionals working in open services, and also the difficulties they have met in the process of turning the care effective for the population. The study uses a qualitative methodology, collecting data by means of semistructured interviews with 15 subjects. The professionals identify the rehabilitation process as complex, meeting several obstacles and requiring their dedication and a flexible attitude to achieve the expected results.

scholarly journals Die-Hard Mubarak Supporters: A Cultural Perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-252
Author(s):  
Hani M. Henry
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Filial Piety ◽  
Religious Values ◽  
Cultural Perspective ◽  
Sympathetic Response ◽  
Authority Figure ◽  
Political Implications

This study examined the persistent sympathetic response of some Egyptian citizens towards ousted president Hosni Mubarak despite his indictment for killing hundreds of peaceful demonstrators. These individuals have been occasionally characterized as victims of the so-called "Stockholm Syndrome," which was defined by mental health professionals as the tendency of victims to develop positive emotional bond towards their victimizers. However, a thematic analysis of interviews conducted with ten Mubarak supporters suggests that their sympathetic response towards the former president might be attributed to their observance of certain collectivistic values, such as filial piety and communalism. These collectivistic values might help explain why these supporters respected Mubarak as both a father and authority figure. Further, the analysis suggests that this sympathetic response was influenced by religious values and outgroup blaming. Social and political implications of this study are discussed.

scholarly journals Ethical dilemmas encountered in suicide research and management: Experiences of young mental health professionals

2021 ◽  
pp. 01-10
Author(s):  
Supreet Kaur Bhasin ◽  
Ishita U Bharadwaj ◽  
RP Beniwal ◽  
Vanya Gupta ◽  
Triptish Bhatia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Suicide Survivors ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Survivors Of Suicide

This study aimed to explore ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by young mental healthcare researchers and professionals working with survivors of suicide (hereinafter suicide survivors). Two focus group discussions (FGDs) Researcher FGD (with those engaged in suicide research) and Clinician FGD (with those providing treatment to suicide survivors) – consisting of open-ended questions and lasting for 70-90 minutes were conducted and analysed using Thematic Analysis. Five themes were identified: i) struggling with the incongruity of harm within benefit, ii) difficulty in delineating boundaries, iii) self-doubt in one’s professional competence, iv) nature of suicide straining the limits of confidentiality, and v) working with structural limitations. The study helps to understand the obstacles and dilemmas encountered in adhering to ethical principles while working with vulnerable individuals.

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