Psychological Trauma and Identity Redefinition of Terrorism Victims in Mali: Individual and Community Impacts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18085232Keywords:
Identity redefinition, Mali, Psychological trauma, Stigma, Terrorism victims.Abstract
This study aims to examine the processes of psychological trauma and identity reconstruction experienced by victims of terrorism in Mali, a country that has been exposed to armed insurgency and pervasive violence for more than a decade. Although terrorist violence is widely associated with adverse mental health outcomes such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, the specific manifestations of these effects within the Malian context remain insufficiently explored in the empirical literature. Grounded in psychological trauma theory (Herman, 1997) and social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1986), the study employs a mixed-methods research design that integrates quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Quantitative data were obtained from 200 participants through survey instruments, including the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and the Identity Disturbance Questionnaire. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 survivors of terrorist violence and focus group discussions were held with 10 community leaders. The findings indicate that 85% of participants exhibited symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder, while 70% reported a pronounced sense of disconnection from their prior individual and social identities. Qualitative analyses further reveal the emergence of community-level resilience and collective coping strategies; notably, 80% of community leaders reported an increase in communal gatherings aimed at mutual support and solidarity. Nevertheless, access to mental health services remains severely constrained due to structural and institutional limitations. Overall, the study highlights the multidimensional psychological and social consequences of terrorism in Mali and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable interventions that encompass both individual-level psychosocial support and community-based mental health policies.
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