Summary
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Using grounded theory methodology (Glaser’s building theory from a data base), this research examines how peacebuilders heal violent trauma they have personally endured, with the aim of identifying common themes in their journeys from victim to survivor to provider. Using an appreciative interview format (Cooperrider and Whitney) designed to acknowledge traumatic experiences with the equally important need to identify the source of resilience; the interviews with selected peacebuilders show how, beyond surviving the trauma, they transcend it, choosing a vocation of peacebuilding in violent conflicts while risking secondary traumatization and compassion fatigue. The eight peacebuilders in this study suffered and transcended catastrophic traumas such as kidnapping, terrorism, bombing, war and physical assault. They work in trauma healing centers, restorative justice, international mediation, and relief and development work around the globe, including El Salvador, Ghana, Northern Ireland, Kenya, Bosnia-Herzegovina, New Zealand, United States and India. (author’s abstract).
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