Journal of Trauma & Treatment

An Exploratory Conversation of African American and Palestinian Historical Trauma and Healing: A Comparative Qualitative Case Study of Indigenous Perspectives

Abstract

Gerald Fonville, Mukhayyo Azamova, Nanak Hikmatullah, Ghassan Abdullah, Jonique R. Childs and Ian Barron*

Due to a lack of studies exploring the mechanisms of trauma across cultures, the current exploratory study sought to identify the commonalities and differences between African American and Palestinian oppression, trauma, and healing. Utilizing a unique comparative case study design, two indigenous scholars, one from each community were interviewed together over 2 sessions to explore the experiences of trauma and healing within and across their communities. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted on the data, initially by 2 independent outsider researchers. Intercoder reliability and insider expert analysis was used to assess the validity and reliability of the analysis. Despite the significant cultural differences, findings indicated a high level of commonality of mechanisms and consequences of oppression and trauma across the two communities. In conclusion, mechanisms of intentional trauma and resultant symptoms were identified from the scholar’s discourse. Recommendations are provided for future research into intentional trauma, pervasive symptoms across generations, and culturally attuned healing practices.