Personal narratives of social trauma in peace-building.

This article explores the uses of personal narratives of massive social trauma in conflict, most specifically as they relate to the Palestinian-Israeli context. It is asserted that there are types of narratives, fixated on persecution, hatred, and fear, that can obstruct peace, and different types that encourage peace and reconciliation.

A theoretical categorization of 4 types of personal narratives of massive social trauma is proposed:

1.  vengeance

2. victim-hood

3. confusion

4. embracing the other

It is concluded that a more nuanced understanding of types of personal narratives is needed when engaged in peace-building endeavors in an ongoing conflict.

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2014 Sep;84(5):475-486