Narrating hate victimisation can be cathartic yet also emotionally damaging

Evidence

All of the participants reported that they actually enjoyed participating in the study as it provided a rare opportunity for them to talk about their lived experiences of online and offline Islamophobia in a safe environment. Many referred to the cathartic value of taking part in this research project. However, there were times during the interview when participants often had to revisit painful memories or events in their lives, which could cause emotional distress. … In cases where the interview caused some emotional stress to participants, we dealt with this empathy. At the same time though, we were aware of our limited abilities in assisting participants (for example, we are researchers rather than trained counsellors) and thus we provided participants with information about receiving professional support through their GP, victim support and the Samaritans. — Irene Zempi and Imran Awan, Islamophobia, 82

Categorization

• QUESTION: How do trauma-informed interview protocols balance eliciting rich accounts against the risk of re-wounding participants?
• APHORISMS: Handing off to Samaritans rather than counselling: the discipline of knowing the limits of one’s own helping role.