W19
POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION FOR
PEACE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS
Leaders: Marta Cullberg Weston, University of Iowa, USA, and Ervin Staub, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, USA, and Michael Wessells, Randolph-Macon College, Virginia, USA
Date: July 23; 9.00 a.m. 5.00 p.m. (09001700)
FEE: 1300 ( SEK )
Amidst the 25-35 armed conflicts occurring each year around the globe, there is great need of comprehensive approaches to post-conflict reconstruction. A key psychosocial element in this work is the healing of the emotional and social wounds of war. Drawing on his field work in Angola, Sierra Leone, and Uganda Michael Wessells will examine the psychosocial needs in post-conflict environments and discuss the benefits of community-based, culturally grounded approaches to psychosocial assistance. Reaching beyond the trauma frame that many Western psychologists tend to apply, these approached build on local community resources and understandings, empower communities, and integrate traditional and Western ideas and methods. He will also describe the work around the demobilization and reintegration of former child soldiers into society.
With a focus on a project in Rwanda on "Healing, Forgiveness and Reconciliation" Ervin Staub will analyze a number of procedures and avenues for healing and rebuilding. With his longstanding work on tracing the roots and evolution of genocide and mass killing he will analyze the psychological relationship among parties that has to be transformed. To break the cycle of violence not only the victims need help to heal but also the perpetrators, who often feel previously victimized.
A practical intervention model (with psychoeducational and experiental elements) used to promote healing in Rwanda will be presented and evaluated.
Michael Wessells and Marta Cullberg Weston will also analyze issues of integrating psychosocial assistance into wider projects of post-conflict reconstruction. Marta Cullberg Weston will provide a gender perspective on the reconstruction process from her work in the former Yugoslavia.