scholarly journals Traumatic Experiences and their Representation in Narratives: A Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (11) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Dharmapada Jena ◽  
Kalyani Samantray
Keyword(s):  
Medical Humanities ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Trauma Studies ◽  
Sentence Structure ◽  
Narrative Strategies ◽  
Text And Image ◽  
Frame Story ◽  
Narrative Techniques

With the rise of psychiatric literature and medical humanities, trauma studies have gained significant focus in recent years. The studies that were done by Kidd (2005), Perring (2013), Olive (2014), Seran (2015), Tembo (2017), Hussain et al. (2018), Finck (2006), Durrant (2012), Long (2012), De Mey (2012), Curtis (2015), Karpasitis (2010), Ward (2008) and Dauksaite (2013), particularly, deal with diverse traumatic experiences. At the same time, they also throw light on the issues of the representation of trauma in narratives. They have examined narrative strategies, like the use of transgenerational empathy, intermediality of text and image, syntax disruption, ellipses, text/image layout, repetitions, symbols, photograph insertion, and assimilation, intertexts, framing of panels, inter-textuality, repetition, fragmentation, and flashback, that can be employed to deal with the challenges for the representation of traumatic experiences in narratives. This paper argues that the narrative features and techniques embedded in the narratives can be utilized for the representation and understanding of diverse traumatic experiences. The narrative components like plot (event), character and theme can be analyzed to discuss the psychological trauma of different characters. Researches can also rely on narrative techniques like flashbacks, flashforward, frame story, events in parallel, narrative shift, multi-perspectivity, repetitive designation, epiphany, amplification, imagery, tone, use of repetitive sentence structure, hamartia, peripetia, and comparison to examine how these techniques help represent the psychological trauma of the characters in the narratives.

scholarly journals A Literary Inquiry into Disability, Trauma and Narrative Strategies in Lisa Genova’s Novels

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 114-134
Author(s):  
Mrs. Koyyana Pallavi ◽  
Prof. Y. Somalatha
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Trauma Studies ◽  
Narrative Strategies ◽  
Literary Research ◽  
Medicine And Literature ◽  
Central Characters ◽  
Literary Devices ◽  
Research Analysis

The reaisltic illustration of central characters suffering from rare and severe neurological sicknesses in Lisa Genova’s novels provide an ideal prospect to study trauma in pathography novels, a subset of science fiction. However, despite its scope, these genres of novels have received little consideration in American literary trauma studies. This paper will present a new analysis of trauma in relationship to the ‘neuro’genre, followed by an analysis of narrative and literary devices employed by the author to illustrate traumatic episodes in her novels. Through this case study and critical reflection of how the author has engaged trauma in the novels supports strengthening literary trauma theory within trauma literature and the genre also. The writing of traumatic experiences of the victims, transformed identity, stigmas, fears and phobias and providing face to the sufferer doomed fate, offers an opportunity for a neuroscientist turned novelist like Lisa Genova to advocate about the neurological sicknesses and its suffering with enriched empathetic experience to the non-scientific societies. It also provides a balanced realistic narrative platform for the reader to reflect on their own uncertainties, brought on by the representation of such fictional characterization. This literary research analysis will provide scope to science fiction authors, particularly those aiming to engage with medicine and literature, for a more accurate depiction of trauma in their work. It will further broaden the scope of research in phenomenology, narrative and genre theories and criticism in literary studies. 

scholarly journals The impact of poly-traumatization on treatment outcomes in young people with substance use disorders

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidsel Karsberg ◽  
Morten Hesse ◽  
Michael Mulbjerg Pedersen ◽  
Ruby Charak ◽  
Mads Uffe Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Treatment Entry ◽  
Trauma Types ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Drug Use Disorder

Abstract Background It is believed that clients with psychological trauma experiences have a poor prognosis with regard to treatment participation and outcomes for substance use disorders. However, knowledge on the effect of the number of trauma experiences is scarce. Methods Using data from drug use disorder (DUD) treatment in Denmark, we assessed the impact of having experienced multiple potentially traumatic experiences on DUD treatment efficacy. Baseline and follow-up data from 775 young participants (mean age = 20.2 years, standard deviation = 2.6) recruited at nine treatment centers were included in analyses. Results Analyses showed that participants who were exposed multiple trauma experiences also reported a significantly higher intake of cannabis at treatment entry, and a lower well-being score than participants who reported less types or no types of victimization experiences. During treatment, patients with multiple types of trauma experiences showed a slower rate of reduction of cannabis than patients with few or no trauma experiences. The number of trauma types was not associated with number of sessions attended or the development of well-being in treatment. Conclusion Overall, the results show that although traumatized youth in DUD treatment show up for treatment, helping them to reduce substance use during treatment is uniquely challenging. Trial registration ISRCTN88025085, date of registration: 29.08.2016, retrospectively registered.

Revisiting Trauma: Wounds Seen and Unseen in Canadian and Indian Prison Narratives

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 16-30
Author(s):  
Lavanya Dalal
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Prison System ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Trauma Studies ◽  
Prison Narratives ◽  
The Past ◽  
A Site

Trauma Studies and Prison Narratives have emerged over the past few decades as the most significant fields in the humanities. There has been a significant discussion regarding the psychological effects of incarceration; however, literature examining prison as a site of trauma is unusual. Focusing on Iftikhar Gilani's My Days in Prison (2005) and Yvonne Johnson and Rudy Wiebe's Stolen Life: The Journey of a Cree Woman (1998), the article analyzes how prison narratives represent prison as a violent space that inflicts trauma in its characters. These prison narratives represent Yvonne Johnson, the prisoner in Stolen Life, and Gilani as victims of acute psychological trauma faced due to the sheer viciousness of the prison system. The article also concentrates on how the prison experience is both similar and different in Canada and India.    

Can placebos prevent intrusive memories?

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Kube ◽  
Irving Kirsch ◽  
Julia Glombiewski ◽  
Philipp Herzog
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Treatment Control ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Intrusive Memories ◽  
Experimental Psychopathology ◽  
Negative Appraisal ◽  
Treatment Control Group ◽  
Healthy Participants

After traumatic experiences, intrusive memories can flash back and evoke significant distress. Here, we investigated whether the occurrence of intrusions can be prevented by placebo. After the exposure to an experimental psychopathology model of psychological trauma, healthy participants (N=112) were randomised to deceptive placebo (DP), open-label placebo (OLP), or a no-treatment control group. The results show that one week later, the groups did not differ in the frequency of intrusive memories. However, participants receiving OLP reported the lowest intensity of intrusions. Participants receiving DP reported the lowest burden of intrusions. Across groups, the expectation that intrusions will be intense and hardly controllable was associated with a higher frequency of intrusions, higher distress, higher burden, and more negative appraisal. The results suggest that expectations play a crucial role in the emergence of intrusive memories and that at least some of the disabling aspects of intrusive memories can be reduced by placebo.

FC01-02 - Homelessness and experiences of psychological trauma in the western world: A research review and a qualitative study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1811-1811
Author(s):  
E.C. Sundin
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Western World ◽  
Research Review ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Structured Interviews

Over the last forty years, and particularly within the last decade, homelessness is recognised as a multifaceted problem. Homelessness is associated with poverty, because the ability to access employment is limited by the lack of a stable address. Secondly, homeless people often experience severe difficulties with housing related services, health services and education. These problems are often sustained or exacerbated by, e.g., poor physical and mental health and the need to support alcohol or drug dependencies. What role does traumatic events, in particular childhood trauma and abuse, have in the lives of the homeless? The negative effects of psychological trauma on psychosocial functioning and wellbeing in the general population are well documented; a quick review of the research on homelessness and trauma suggested that more work is needed.The objectives of this paper are to review research on homelessness and experiences of psychological trauma and evidence from a sample of single homeless adults.The aim of this paper is two-fold: to provide a systematic review of studies on the relationship between childhood trauma and homelessness and to present findings from a qualitative study of adult people who are homeless in London and Nottingham, UK.The systematic review examines research published in the Western world, 1990 - July 2010. The qualitative study collected data through semi-structured interviews with 103 single people, aged 18–69 years.A summary of the results from the review and qualitative study and guidance for further research on the relationships between traumatic experiences and homelessness will be provided.

scholarly journals Exploring the meaning of trauma in the South African Police Service: A systems psychodynamic perspective

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marna Young ◽  
Pieter Koortzen ◽  
Rudolf M. Oosthuizen
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
The South ◽  
Police Service ◽  
South African Police Service ◽  
South African Police

Orientation: This study explores individual stories of trauma and their dissonance with the official, dominant discourse on trauma in the South African Police Service (SAPS) from a systems psychodynamic perspective.Research purpose: The purpose of the research was, firstly, to explore how trauma experienced by South African Police Service members is constructed or ‘talked about’ and made sense of. Questions and issues that are considered relevant to the primary purpose are: which aspects of the working environment do members consider to be the most stressful, traumatic and difficult to cope with, and what is the effect of the change and transition processes on members’ working experiences?Motivation for the study: The authors set out to explore the role of systems psychodynamics in the experience of trauma and stress in the SAPS.Research design, approach and method: Through this qualitative, explorative, social phenomenological study, contributing circumstances and processes are included as additional discourses in an attempt to deepen understanding. The epistemology viewpoint of the study is found in the social constructionism and the data comprise 15 essays by members of the SAPS, all of which have been analysed from the perspective of systems psychodynamics.Main findings: Although the effect of trauma on police officers can never be negated, the way in which they deal with trauma seems to be different from what was initially believed. Further, their experience of stress is not solely the result of traumatic experiences but rather the result of traumatic experiences and systems psychodynamics operating within their organisation – which includes both organisational stressors or dynamics and transformation dynamics.Practical/managerial implications: The history of psychological trauma indicates that constructions of traumatic stress are strongly related to cultural, social and political circumstances. Current psychoanalytic thinking emphasises the meaning of the real occurrence, which causes trauma by changing the person’s experience of the self in relation to self-objects. Practical implications are the loss of the supportive subculture of the police, the loss of masculinity, as well as the loss of the power to be competent and meaningful. Furthermore, feelings of being overwhelmed, powerless and helpless generate anxiety and may have a significant impact on officers’ self-esteem and impede their feelings of omnipotence and invulnerability, which are necessary to cope in the policing environment.Contribution/value-add: The current study found various traumatic and systemspsychodynamic factors and processes to be anxiety-provoking as a result of exposure to trauma. Without a supportive social group the anxiety becomes uncontained and unmanageable.

scholarly journals Bittersweet: The Effects of Psychological Trauma in One’s Stages of Life

K ta Kita ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-42
Author(s):  
Celia Asallie
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Psychological Problem ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Creative Work ◽  
Main Character ◽  
Stages Of Development ◽  
Her Family ◽  
The Past

The project is about the development of a screenplay which explores the psychological problem of the main character. The creative work revolves around the traumatic experiences that result in the main character’s insecurity. The story shows how the main character, Jieun, is haunted by the pressure she used to have when she was a kid, causing her to feel insecure when she finally turns into an adult. The theory used for this creative work is Erik Erikson’s theory of Psychological Stages of Development which tells about how something that happened in the past could affect things that are happening in the present. The theory helps the writer achieve the result of the creative work, making the creative work have distinct characteristic. Because of her insecurity, Jieun fails in fulfilling her need to build a relationship. Finally, she regains her feeling of security as she goes back to and connect with her family.

scholarly journals Poetics of Narrative in Kazuo Ishiguro’s Novel “A Pale View of Hills”

2019 ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
Yaryna Oprisnyk
Keyword(s):  
Current Paper ◽  
First Person ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Psychological Processes ◽  
Narrative Strategies ◽  
Verbal Expression ◽  
Verbal Language ◽  
Japanese Aesthetics ◽  
Narrative Techniques

The current paper explores the narrative strategies and poetics of intermediality in Kazuo Ishiguro’s first novel “A Pale View of Hills” (1982). Particular attention is paid to the notions of narrative unreliability and subjectivity exemplified by the ambiguous first-person narrative in the novel. The researcher focuses on the narrative techniques, as well as on the numerous lexical and other literary means that emphasize the unreliability of the narrator, who is also the protagonist. It allows revealing the hidden emotions and tendency to self-deceit. In addition, the paper traces the features of Japanese aesthetics and literature in the novel. The most peculiar among them are concise verbal expression, lack of emotion, and audiovisuality, which is primary concentration of the narrative on the visual and auditory images, rather than on the characters’ internal psychological processes. A range of narrative strategies and special literary effects in “A Pale View of Hills”, being characteristic for the art of cinematography, make the novel a vivid example of the cinematographic (cinematic) literature, which requires a different, more image-oriented perception of the reader. Among such techniques, the most notable are the enhanced symbolism of sensual images; revealing the characters’ actual feelings and thoughts through their non-verbal language and dialogues; fragmented and elliptic nature of the narrative that resembles the technique of montage; and the plasticity of chronotope, which is represented by the active use of flashbacks in the novel.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Traumatic Experiences in South Korean Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 3959
Author(s):  
Sunah Kim ◽  
Go-Un Kim ◽  
Suin Park
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Trauma ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Psychological Trauma ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Traumatic Experience ◽  
Traumatic Experiences ◽  
Unexpected Death ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Korean Adults ◽  
Gender And Age

Although a variety of traumatic experiences can impact health over the lifetime, little is known about the prevalence of such experiences in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequencies of traumatic experiences and their differences by gender and age. South Korean adults (N = 3000) aged 19–65 years completed a self-report survey assessing childhood and adulthood trauma and sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, 79.5% of the participants reported at least one traumatic experience in adulthood. Unemployment or job loss and academic or work difficulties were commonly reported. The most distressing adulthood trauma was the unexpected death of a loved one, followed by diseases in loved ones. Childhood trauma was higher in males than in females. In males, childhood trauma was higher at a younger age, but in females, it was higher at an older age. Adulthood trauma was higher in females than in males and at older ages for both males and females. The current findings demonstrate the differences in traumatic experiences by gender and age in the South Korean general population. These results could help improve assessment of and targeted intervention for psychological trauma through trauma-informed strategies in public health practice.

scholarly journals THE “CYROPAEDIA” OF XENOPHON AND THE “HISTORY OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE” OF HERODIAN: STRUCTURAL SIMILARITIES THROUGH CENTURIES OF ANCIENT GREEK HISTORIOGRAPHY (A REVIEW OF THE RECEPTIONS IN MODERN CLASSICAL PHILOLOGY)

2019 ◽  
pp. 40-52
Author(s):  
Fedir Dovbyshchenko
Keyword(s):  
Roman Empire ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Narrative Structure ◽  
Narrative Strategies ◽  
Ancient Greek ◽  
Classical Philology ◽  
History Of ◽  
Greek Historiography ◽  
Narrative Techniques

The present article is an attempt to analyze the narrative strategies and scope of Xenophon’s “Cyropaedia” and Herodian’s “History of the Roman Empire” as viewed within the modern reception in classical philology. This paper presumes that the narrative techniques of writing historiographical biographies in antiquity might be the same across the whole period which separates the two works in question. The distance in time did not result in radical changes of the narrative structure in historiography, as the example of Xenophon’s “Cyropaedia” and Herodian’s “History” shows. The analysis of the ancient histories, as this article argues, can be conducted not only to understand the level of their factual reliability, but also to describe their possible impact on contemporary readers or listeners. It is also shown in the present article that the narrative structure of the two histories is far from being that of the non-fictional prose, and that modern classicists tend to consider them as fictional texts. Moreover, the whole ancient historiography, unlike the modern one, has to be treated as fiction, for the strategies of creating it were similar to the narrative strategies of other genres.

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