Showing papers by "Brandon Hamber published in 2012"

Perspectives and Possibilities: Mental Health in post-Agreement Northern Ireland

Abstract: Mental health is considered one of the most important issues in the post-conflict reconstruction period. 1 Northern Ireland is no exception is this regard. There are numerous studies that show that the 30-year conflict has had an impact on the general and mental health of children and adults in Northern Ireland 2 , although the poorer sections of the community were most affected. The Consultative Group on the Past (2009) notes that working class and border areas, in particular, experienced victimisation, ranging from economic and social deprivation to the oppressive presence of military and paramilitary forces. It is estimated that one in six people in Northern Ireland will suffer from a medically defined mental illness at some stage in their lives. 3 In comparison to the UK average mental health needs in Northern Ireland are 25% higher. 4 As a result of the conflict young people in Northern Ireland face a higher risk of mental ill health in comparison to young people in both England and Scotland. 5 But how does society at large understand what the impact of the conflict has been? How do professionals and policymakers understand this legacy and what needs to be done? In recent years, the work of victims/survivor groups supporting those affected by the political conflict has been instrumental in highlighting the ongoing impact of the conflict and the need for sustained interventions. However, this article contends that this has also, at least in part, resulted in the mental health impact of the conflict being wrongly seen as only a “victims” issue. Although it is vital to offer support services to victims, we argue, this focus has missed the wider impact of conflict on society and also belies a larger debate within the mental health profession about how to conceptualise mental health problems, i.e. as a definable and diagnosable psychopathology or a wider social problem.

Conflict Museums, Nostalgia, and Dreaming of Never Again

Abstract: Sites that mark atrocity span the globe including Villa Grimaldi in Chile, the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum in eastern China, and Robben Island in South Africa. Generally such sites seek to have some form of social and individual impact. Typically they seek to educate the next generation and prevent future forms of atrocity by revealing the past. It is contended that an overly emotional focus on the narratives of victims at such sites can limit understanding of the dynamics that cause violence. The article also explores whether there is a nostalgic element to conflict museums. Although it seems counterintuitive that nostalgia would have any place in thinking back on periods of extreme violence, it is argued that nostalgia is present in a number of ways. How this plays out in postapartheid South Africa is specifically explored. The article concludes by highlighting the dangers in South Africa of what can be termed a regenerative nostalgia for the “struggle” against apartheid and the perceived unifying peace process that followed.

Trauma, development and peacebuilding : towards an integrated psychosocial approach

Abstract: ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Rationale ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 6 Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 7 Outcomes ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Outputs............................................................................................................................................ 9 Future directions ........................................................................................................................... 10 Institution ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Timetable ...................................................................................................................................... 12 Appendix A: Workshop Participants ............................................................................................ 13 References..................................................................................................................................... 24