Generating theory, biographical accounts and translation: A study of trauma and resilience

Abstract

In the research project, 'Trauma and Resilience: A Refugee Perspective',1 three samples of adult survivors of the Khmer rouge period who are doing remarkably well are asked 'the salutogenetic question': not why are they sick, but why are they healthy? The samples are chosen among those who (1) were exposed to the kind of events for which the Khmer Rouge period is known, but (2) did not develop a disabling post-traumatic stress disorder. Analyses of the research participants' biographical accounts seek to uncover, understand and explain mechanisms that these successful survivors found instrumental for their survival, in order to contribute to the study of resilience and the practice of psychosocial rehabilitation of survivors. After a discussion of methodological challenges, the article charts the route - from biographical data, through preliminary conceptual work using grounded theory microanalysis, an exegetical treatment of Khmer terms and an abductive reinterpretation - from findings to conclusions. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.