Individual presentation:• Rebecca Bourhill:Trauma, memory and resilience: South Africa as a case study for trauma and Post Traumatic Growth(60 min) - INTERNATIONAL PSYCHOHISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

Individual presentation:
• Rebecca Bourhill:
Trauma, memory and resilience: South Africa as a case study for trauma and Post Traumatic Growth
(60 min)

Abstract:

South Africa can be seen as a significant case study in the field of trauma studies and psychohistory due to Apartheid, it’s cultural diversity and colonialism. Most of the literature on trauma studies in the South African context is on trauma, pathology and oppression. Although there has been a large amount of research on Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) in general, there has been little work done on PTG in the South African context.

It is important to study PTG in parallel to pain and suffering so as to acknowledge trauma and its consequences. This paper aims to discuss trauma in the South African context and its intergenerational transmission before moving onto PTG on both an individual and collective level. Peer reviewed research on PTG and trauma studies along with personal lived experience and interviews will be used to frame South Africa as a case study to deepen our understanding of PTG, making this an interdisciplinary perspective.

South Africans do not have the post trauma recovery time between either direct or vicarious traumatic events increasing the chance for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related disorders while decreasing the chances of PTG. Although many South African’s carry around some form of trauma along with its consequences such as PTSD and autoimmune conditions, communities do have the ability to come together in the face of trauma and adversity. South Africa’s collective experience and response to trauma shows that PTG is possible at both a collective and individual level. South Africa has deep historical roots from the Boer war and Apartheid which are considered to contribute to the current state of the country both in terms of inequalities among communities, violent crimes and illegal activities. Narratives and memories from these events have been passed down from generation to generation leading to the present generation picking up the pieces. Impacts can be seen on multiple levels from psychological, relational and personal identity.

Growth and suffering coexist, making it impossible to have one without the other. South Africans have had to learn to rally together to survive and thrive after trauma. What I propose is that although there is minimal time between traumatic events to gather oneself and fully recover, communities do come together and offer support which enable not only the ability to move forward but also to thrive making PTG possible in this country on a collective level. With South Africa having characteristics of both the first and third world, there are deep seated inequalities which makes this country a unique case study on PTSD and PTG. By looking at how communities adapt to and live with trauma, there can be deeper cultural understanding for not just for South African citizens but also on a global level.

Keywords: apartheid, collective trauma, community resilience, intergenerational trauma, posttraumatic growth, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychohistory, South Africa

Short Bio:

Rebecca Bourhill is in her final year of a BA in Psychology and Communication at Varsity College, now Emeris, in South Africa. She intends studying further in psychology. Living and managing a small farm in the North West Province of South Africa since she was born, Rebecca has been exposed to and has experienced many of South Africa’s criminal and illegal activities. She is active on community forums regarding security and protesting illegal mining in the Magaliesberg. She has a keen interest in child development, spectrums disorders and the impact of trauma. Publications include an article on bullying in individuals with Aspergers, as well as publications in magazines, blogs and recipe books.