This research study is a philosophical interpretive inquiry into the experience of contemporary peacekeepers suffering from trauma. The question, what is the experience of contemporary peacekeepers healing from trauma? reflects a commitment to understanding the nature of healing from the trauma of contemporary peacekeeping deployments. Throughout this study, an interpretative phenomenological approach (van Manen, 1998a) was appropriated from various texts to uncover the experience of contemporary peacekeepers who have sought treatment for trauma resulting from recent deployments to Somalia, Rwanda, and the former Yugoslavia. Data was collected via 1-3 tape–recorded interviews with contemporary peacekeepers from Somalia (2-3), Rwanda (2-3), and the former Yugoslavia (2-3) who have received treatment for trauma a minimum of two years following their deployments. Narratives from the transcribed interviews were reviewed by the participants and reflective journaling by the researcher provided further clarification of the data to understand the experience. Data analysis was undertaken throughout the research study by utilizing a thematic analysis of text in which themes emerged to document and understand the ways in which contemporary peacekeepers healed from trauma. Through incorporating embodied experiences, it was possible to obtain an increased understanding concerning the embodied nature of healing from trauma in lived time, lived space and lived human relation. In so doing this research study provided both a descriptive and interpretive account of understanding the experience of contemporary peacekeepers healing from trauma which will contribute to more effective practice guidelines for the care of contemporary peacekeepers.

See more of Mental Health Initiatives for Adults
See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)