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The role of storytelling as a possible trauma release for war veterans: A narrative approach

The role of storytelling as a possible trauma release for war veterans: A narrative approach

Authors :
Nicole Dickson
Johann A. Meylahn
Source :
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, Vol 80, Iss 1, Pp e1-e7 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
AOSIS, 2024.

Abstract

The master narrative of Apartheid South Africa created a specific identity for white boys and men and, together with this identity, a very particular role and place within the South African context. This identity was exemplified in the men who were conscripted into the military from 1967 until 1994, and who participated in operations on the border regions of Namibia and Angola as well as within local townships in the war of liberation against apartheid and minority rule. Many veterans have been left grappling not only with the traumas associated with combat but also with the loss of their identities as war heroes in a country under changed political control. As a result, many of their personal stories and experiences of combat have been silenced by society at large and also, to varying degrees, within their own families, the Church, and among the younger generation who have grown up under a different dispensation. The conflict between vacillating narratives of villains who fought on the wrong side of history and victims of a closed socialisation system has supported the identity struggle faced by many veterans today. Against this backstory, this article explores the effects of storytelling as a trauma release using a narrative approach. Contribution: This article offers a contribution to the use of storytelling in pastoral conversations as a trauma release for untold stories. This insight links to the focus and scope of the journal as a pastoral narrative approach has been used under the umbrella of Practical Theology.

Details

Language :
Afrikaans, English
ISSN :
02599422 and 20728050
Volume :
80
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.8b68d06b69884efd90197e0f0be57ceb
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v80i1.9408