| Popis: |
Integrating the psychodynamic framework on migration with the insights provided by the community psychology perspective, the present study aimed at exploring in-depth the pre-migratory, migratory and post-migratory experiences of 20 West-African male asylum seekers hosted in Italy and, through the adoption of a qualitative and narrative method, at understanding strengths and weaknesses of using narrative methods in research with asylum seekers. In-depth open ended interviews, were administered and then analysed through the software T-LAB. Thematic clusters identified from the analysis testified the intra-psychic, relational and contextual nature of trauma. Against the background of diverse human rights violations and identity challenges involved in the migration process, post-migratory narratives revealed several social and contextual determinants which exacerbated participants’ suffering and vulnerabilities. The ambivalent function of narration in the context of forced migration encourages further reflection on the use of narrative methods in research with asylum seekers. Narrative features suggested that researchers and professionals should create more appropriate interview situations which, through the combination of different linguistic and expressive registers, can facilitate, mediate and support the narrative organisation of the experiences, which are often disrupted from severe traumatisation. |
