Healing centered engagement via multimedia counter-storytelling: A framework for processing collective trauma and healing with placed-at-risk youth

Ventimiglia, Jennifer

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/124473 Copy

Description

Title

Healing centered engagement via multimedia counter-storytelling: A framework for processing collective trauma and healing with placed-at-risk youth

Author(s)

Ventimiglia, Jennifer

Issue Date

2024-04-09

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Kang, Hyun-Sook

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Kang, Hyun-Sook

Committee Member(s)

• Ginsburg, Rebecca
• Goodnight, Melissa
• Taylor, Rebecca

Department of Study

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Healing Centered Engagement
• Multimedia Storytelling
• Violence Prevention
• Placed-At-Risk Youth
• Marginalized Youth

Abstract

This case study examined multimedia counter-storytelling as a tool for placed-at-risk youth to process trauma and heal in a mentorship program. Research occurred at QuestLuv’s (QL) 2023 Summer Institute; QL is a nonprofit organization, located in a West Chicago neighborhood, whose mission is to empower placed-at-risk youth to reshape their narratives and become the authors of their future through multimedia production. Youth enrolled in QL’s Summer Institute and mentors who provided outreach and instruction during the summer programming were interviewed; in addition, youth-created digital content on QL’s YouTube channel (e.g. music videos, podcasts, short films) was also reviewed. Interview transcripts were coded through open processes; and-- fitting to the study’s exploration of storytelling-- a narrative, metaphorical analysis was used as a connecting strategy with interview data and digital content. This study contributes to a small but growing field of research investigating non-traditional forms of healing, specifically focusing on placed-at-risk youth involved in community violence. The Healing Centered Engagement (HCE) framework departs from Trauma Informed Care (TIC) models, promoting healing by tackling the root causes and systemic conditions of trauma instead of merely focusing on coping strategies to manage symptoms of trauma. While there is no silver bullet approach to violence prevention efforts with young adults, this research could provide a starting point for policy makers, mental health care professionals, and institutions working with youth affected by trauma to collaboratively develop programming aligned to the HCE framework. Multimedia counter-storytelling was an effective tool within the HCE framework for establishing relational trust and collaboration among mentors and youth participants, developing participants’ agency, and strengthening participants’ self-assurance and meaning making of their lived experiences.

Graduation Semester

2024-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Jennifer Ventimiglia

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