Multimedia Storytelling

An Approach for Processing Collective Trauma and Healing with Marginalized Youth

Abstract

This pilot study examines (1) the role shared experiences play in building mutual trust and respect in a mentor/mentee relationship between violence intervention workers and gang-involved youth, and (2) the impact digital media storytelling has on gang-involved youth’s ability to process trauma and heal. One salient narrative emerging from the research is the mentor’s use of shared stories to both validate and challenge gang-involved youth’s thinking. The research also found cross-cutting themes from different youth produced digital media mediums including inner demons, death of innocents, and personal sacrifice. Despite coming from different gangs, neighborhoods, races, and ethnicities, many gang-involved youth describe a common code of ethics to process their shared experiences with collective trauma and violence, and ultimately, heal.