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

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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educ Policy, Orgzn & Leadrshp

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Ventimiglia, Jennifer

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kang, Hyun-Sook
• Ginsburg, Rebecca
• Goodnight, Melissa
• Taylor, Rebecca

• Healing Centered Engagement
• Multimedia Storytelling
• Violence Prevention
• Placed-at-risk Youth
• Marginalized Youth

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Jennifer Ventimiglia

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

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

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F124473