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Start Over Author "Isakson, Brian" Topic torture
2 results on '"Isakson, Brian"'

1. Healing after torture: the role of moving on.

Author

Isakson BL and Jurkovic GJ

Subjects
Adult, Africa ethnology, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Asia ethnology, Cross-Cultural Comparison, Female, Forgiveness, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Male, Middle Aged, Qualitative Research, Social Support, Southeastern United States, Spirituality, Adaptation, Psychological, Refugees psychology, Survivors psychology, Torture psychology
Abstract

The experience and sociocultural context of torture and its treatment have received little attention in the biopsychosocial model of Western mental health for survivors of torture. The main focus has been on the reduction of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and related conditions. Using grounded theory methodology, we investigated survivors' perceptions of the nature and process of healing after torture. The participants included 11 adult refugee torture survivors (9 men and 2 women) from African and Asian countries. Their stories of healing centered on the role of "moving on" with their lives, which included aspects of cognitive reframing and empowerment. Reliance on belief and value systems, safety measures, and social support, despite continuing psychological and physical symptomatology, enabled the moving-on process. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.

Published
2013
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2. "Getting Better" after Torture from the Perspective of the Survivor

Author

Isakson, Brian Louis

Subjects
avoidance, trauma reminders, forgiveness, economic stability, acculturation, moving on, stability, safety, resilience, empowerment, spirituality, social support, trauma, torture, refugees, Psychology
Abstract

The traditional model of Western mental health treatment for survivors of torture has focused mainly on posttraumatic stress disorder and related conditions. This model is symptoms-focused in which the goal is to reduce pathology. In this model, the mental health professional is the expert and the survivors learn from the professionals. Using grounded theory methodology, the current study seeks to expand the understanding for treatment of torture survivors by investigating, from the perspective of the torture survivors, the process of “getting better” after torture. By asking the survivors to explain this process, this study broadens the focus of areas of healing and intervention to include social, psychological, political, and biological aspects of their lives that need to be impacted in order for them to get better. Eleven adult torture survivors (9 men and 2 women) from various African and Asian countries described their process of getting better through qualitative interviews. A model of getting better was developed to describe this process. The central phenomenon of this process is moving on from difficult past experiences. Participants described a multi-dimensional process that includes various environmental factors and intrapersonal beliefs and coping strategies that promoted moving on and getting better. These multi-dimensional themes include using belief and value systems, establishing safety and stability, and establishing social support in order to move on. Once the survivors felt a sense of safety and support, they felt empowered to take action to move on from their past. These action strategies include disclosing torture experiences, controlling memories, supporting others, and utilizing available supports. Moving on led to improved relationships, more adaptive functioning, improved health, and release from emotional pain. Findings of this study were consistent with current literature documenting recovery after torture and other traumatic experiences. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed and directions for future research are delineated.

Published
2008

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