Understanding trauma in Rwanda: a qualitative study of young genocide survivors

This qualitative study aimed to explore the nature of trauma in the Rwanda context, following the 1994 genocide. The research sought to gain insight to the symptoms of persistent trauma, the memory and narrative of the traumatic event and the ways in which youth have adjusted and potentially grown as a result of their tragic past. Twenty Rwandan youth took part in the study, of which the narratives and responses for 15 participants were recorded. The findings indicated that Rwandan youth have clear and vivid memories of their genocide experiences, but no integration of related emotion. This was identified in a unique concept called “lamentation”. The participants presented with a range of trauma symptoms, closely linked with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This contributed to a world view that saw the young people perceive themselves as powerless and unable to influence a random world controlled by others. The relationship of world and self views were linked with memories of the trauma and the persistence of trauma symptoms. Yet, despite the presence of trauma symptoms, the youth also demonstrated adaptive resilience, but no signs of posttraumatic growth as a result of ongoing and pervasive poverty. Interventions that harness self-empowerment, choice and social support are recommended and ongoing cross-cultural research, particularly within Africa, is advocated.