Psychic Restructuring in Trauma Recovery Among the Sri Lankan Tamil Refugee Women

Abstract

This qualitative study explored the dimensions of psychic restructuring (PR) in trauma recovery among Sri Lankan Tamil refugee women. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 women residing at refugee camps in southern India; the acquired data was analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. PR encompasses positive, negative, and neutral dimensions; it comprises the changes in social dynamics, healing of psychic wounds, and reunification of the individual and collective psyches. Its key positive dimensions included symbolic representations, channeling the attitudes and victimization experiences, and positive self-concept. Findings highlight the critical role of innovative PR-based mental health interventions in empowering refugee women by enhancing self-representation and agency.

Keywords: Sri Lankan Tamil refugee women; psychic restructuring; social dynamics; symbolic representations; trauma recovery.