The narrative process and the stories of family members who lost loved ones on 9/11.

摘要

This qualitative study was undertaken with the purpose of examining the experiences of individuals who, through their participation in StoryCorps, talked about their loss of family members in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. This study focused on understanding the role participants believed telling their stories may have played in their ability to cope. The literature was reviewed and the major topics of investigation included narrative process, posttraumatic stress, resilience, grief, positive emotions, and posttraumatic growth. Major findings suggested the emergence of 4 categories and 21 themes regarding subjects that ranged from storytelling, to coping, resilience, grief, support, and posttraumatic growth. Interviews were conducted. In an effort to determine if there was consistency regarding experiences they described in response to questions, the Coping With Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory and Post Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) were administered. The inventories were not statistically analyzed. The meaning and implications of the results were discussed. The study revealed that, although 8 years have passed since the tragic events of 9/11, pain, grief, and sadness have continued to linger Family members' lives have moved on, and many display remarkable resilience and growth. Participants' expressed the desire for support from others. Coping was found to be a psychologically dynamic process which shifts depending upon personal dilemmas being encountered. Participants experienced changes in their perspective about their lives, strength, and willpower. Participants valued the opportunity to discuss their stories, despite painful feelings. Overall, they found the experience to be beneficial in the process of healing and moving forward. Recommendations for future research included a larger study, with a more expansive and diverse sample size. In addition, the investigation of the following may yield a broader understanding about participants who lost loved ones on 9/11: the dynamics between the loved one and the surviving family member; Attachment theory and Object Relations Theory; interviewer and interviewee interaction; if the narrative process can engender resilience; and gender differences regarding storytelling, coping, resilience, and grief. Hopefully this study will play a pivotal role in informing those who have suffered similar tragedies, the general public at large, and future research endeavors.