Emotions and Therapy
Time: 2025-09-17 12:00 - 14:00
Location: Small Hall at Auditorium Maximum
Chairman: David Beorlegui
Events within this Session
Oral History and Confronting the Past: Memory, Trauma, and Justice in European Historical Reappraisal
Type: session | Language: English
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Abstract
Based on the increasing interest in questions of memory, trauma, and justice in Europe, this article explores the issue of coming to terms with the past through oral history interviews. In German, this process is often referred to as „historische Aufarbeitung“ – so „historyczne radzenie“ or „historical reappraisal“. We investigate the extent to which traumatising events or processes, and responsibilities can be re- examined and the contributions that oral history can make in this context. Addressing the past, in terms of successful coping processes for those affected, necessitates a sensitive, appreciative, and respectful approach to traumatic experiences in all aspects of the memory-cultural process. Simultaneously, we must consider the role that oral history can play, recognizing that therapeutic tasks should be pursued by other disciplines. Drawing on projects to „Politicized Psychiatry and Children’s Homes in the GDR“ and ethical questions during the preparation and evaluation stages, this paper provides a fresh perspective on existing discussions about dealing with the past. It analyses the limitations of this historical discourse and explores the potential of oral history within the framework of memory culture. This approach seeks to highlight how oral history can contribute to a nuanced understanding of historical events and support the broader goals of memory and justice.
Speakers
(E)Motion Sickness Warning: The Challenge of (Hyper-)Emotionalization in Immersive VR Interviews with Contemporary Witnesses
Type: session | Language: English
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Abstract
The Digital Turn (Santana, 2022) brings new memory media to the forefront (Dorr et al., 2019), among which are history-related immersive VR applications consumed through Head Mounted Displays, allowing for complete optical immersion. The competitive advantage of immersive VR applications over more traditional (less immersive) digital media is that they provide more empathy (Barbot & Kaufman, 2020), media enjoyment, and emotional engagement (Frentzel-Beyme & Krämer, 2023). These technological features lend plausibility to representations of the past, potentially reducing critical perception (Nachtigall et al., 2022). Consequently, history-related immersive VR applications pose challenges for Public History (Bunnenberg, 2018). Interviews with contemporary witnesses, a cornerstone of Oral History, are a common strategy for infusing historical narratives with emotion in immersive VR applications. This emotionalization can occur through audio recordings featuring the voices of contemporary witnesses, exemplified by BBC’s immersive video „Easter Rising“ (BBC Taster, n.d.), or through 360-degree video recordings capturing contemporary witnesses, as seen in the educational project „Chernobyl VR“ (The Farm 51, n.d.) and the virtual reality documentary film „Traveling While Black“ (Felix & Paul Studios, n.d.). In this planned individual paper, strategies for emotionalization of historical narratives through interviews with contemporary witnesses will be examined using the case studies of the aforementioned immersive VR applications. This analysis will culminate in recommendations for implementing interviews with contemporary witnesses in emotionally engaging immersive VR content, while also considering historical didactic principles such as the personification of history (Bergmann 2000b) and multiperspectivity (Bergmann 2000a). Bibliography Barbot, B. & Kaufman, J. C. (2020). What makes immersive virtual reality the ultimate empathy machine? Discerning the underlying mechanisms of change. Computers in Human Behavior, 111, doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2020.106431. BBC Taster. (n.d.). Easter Rising: Voice of a Rebel VR. Retrieved July 21, 2024, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/taster/pilots/easter-rising-voice-of-a-rebel. Bergmann, K. (2000a): Multiperspektivität. In K. Bergmann (Ed.), Geschichtsdidaktik. Beiträge zu einer Theorie historischen Lernens. Wochenschau Verlag, 162-166. Bergmann, K. (2000b). Personalisierung und Personifizierung. In K. Bergmann (Ed.), Geschichtsdidaktik. Beiträge zu einer Theorie historischen Lernens. Wochenschau Verlag, 158-161. Bunnenberg, C. (2018). Virtuelle Zeitreisen? Public History und Virtual Reality. Public History Weekly, 6, doi:10.1515/phw-2018-10896. Dorr, M. E. & Erll, A. & Högerle, E. & Vickers, P & Wegner, J. (2019). Introduction: Travel, locatedness, and new horizons in Memory Studies. Journal of Aesthetics & Culture, 11, doi:10.1080/20004214.2019.1690840. Felix & Paul Studios. (n.d.). Traveling While Black. Retrieved July 21, 2024, from https://www.felixandpaul.com/?travelingwhileblack. Frentzel-Beyme, L. & Krämer, N. C. (2023). Historical Time Machines: Experimentally Investigating Potentials and Impacts of Immersion in Historical VR on History Education and Morality. Technology, Mind and Behavior, 4(1), doi:10.1037/tmb0000099. Santana, D. (2022). Historians as Digital Storytellers: The Digital Shift in Narrative Practices for Public Historians. In S. Noiret & M. Tebeau & G. Zaagsma (Eds.), Handbook of Digital Public History. De Gruyter Oldenbourg, 485-494. The Farm 51. (n.d.). Chernobyl VR Project. Retrieved July 21, 2024, from https://www.thefarm51.com/eng/projekt/chernobyl-vr-project-2/.
Speakers
“I Kept it to Myself for Seventy Years. I am Glad You Asked”: Reflections on the Therapeutic Aspects of Oral History
Type: session | Language: English
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Abstract
This paper delves into the issue of therapeutic aspects of the oral history by utilizing the narratives provided by the elderly interlocutors who were involved in the oral history project titled “Being a Child During the Childhood of the Turkish Republic”1. After having introduced some salient features of the project and briefly discussed the limits, drawbacks and gains that we had not envisaged before embarking on the fieldwork we shall proceed to present examples that draw our attention to the therapeutic role of the oral history. Our project aims to shed light on a vastly under-researched topography of the history of childhood in Turkey and is informed by critical-social constructionist epistemology that conceives childhood not as a fixed biological stage in life cycle but rather as a fluent and plastic social and cultural construct that changes over time and reflects the values and worldviews of the society within which it emerges. The project has been devised to grasp and gain insights into the lived manifestations of childhood in early Republican-era Turkish society as opposed to the artificial ideal childhood that was constructed through official discourse and disseminated by schoolbooks, children’s magazines and Children’s Day celebrations. Since 2022 we have conducted 70 semi- structured in-depth interviews (with 30 women and 40 men) from diverse socio-cultural and economic backgrounds who were born in different parts of Turkey between the years 1930 and 1945. During the interviews many “delicate” issues with respect to childhood experiences such as parental love and affection, sibling relationships, corporal punishment, loss, bereavement, poverty and sense of injustice were extensively addressed. In the course of the meetings either on or off the record almost all our narrators expressed their surprise that they found the interview extremely therapeutic. They frequently reported that they “had actually planned to take that story with them to the grave”, “were shocked yet relieved to get it off their chest”, “did not expect to derive such pleasure from recording their past experiences” and “felt rejuvenated”. Some of the interlocutors “wished to remain in contact so that they could enhance their story”. Some were eager to get their friends involved in the project hoping that “they too could benefit from the therapy”. Placing the findings of the project against the backdrop of the prevailing literatures with respect to therapeutic qualities of the oral history, social gerontology, psychological needs of the elderly and increasing isolation of the seniors since Covid-19, this paper shall explore the possibility of interdisciplinary cooperation that might make a difference in real people’s life.
Speakers
Healing Through Oral History: A Complex Journey of Forgiveness and Accountability
Type: session | Language: English
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Abstract
From 1995 to 2015, I conducted oral histories with Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees who were held by the Japanese military during the Pacific War. Through these interviews, I often observed a significant emotional shift in many former prisoners. Initially, they harbored intense anger and hostility, but as we continued to meet and discuss their experiences, many saw their anger and hatred gradually subside, leading to emotional healing. Some participants described this as a release of their deeply rooted resentment. Oral history, in these cases, seemed to function similarly to narrative exposure therapy, helping individuals process their trauma by recounting their stories. However, this healing process raises ethical questions. While personal forgiveness may bring emotional relief to the individual, it can also obscure justified anger toward the governments and institutions responsible for their suffering. In this presentation, I will explore the dual role of oral history as both a tool for personal healing and a potential hindrance to maintaining accountability for historical injustices.
Speakers
Healing Old Wounds: The Therapeutic Role of Oral History Sharing in Aboriginal Culture
Type: session | Language: English
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Abstract
Introduction Oral history serves as a bridge between past and present and provides a powerful tool for preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge, particularly within Aboriginal communities in Australia. Sharing oral histories, cultural knowledge and stories is crucial for the social and emotional wellbeing of both current and future Aboriginal generations. This paper explores the therapeutic potential of Aboriginal oral histories and their role in healing historical and intergenerational trauma. The Value of Aboriginal Oral Histories Aboriginal oral histories encompass more than just stories; they are repositories of cultural knowledge, laws, customs, and spirituality. These narratives are integral to maintaining identity, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring the continuity of cultural practices. They serve as a living archive that links the present with an ancestral past, guiding communities through the wisdom of Elders. Therapeutic Dimensions of Oral History Healing Historical Trauma: Aboriginal communities have endured significant trauma due to colonisation, dispossession, and systemic marginalisation. Oral histories play a therapeutic role by validating experiences, preserving memories of resistance, and acknowledging the resilience of ancestors. Sharing these stories fosters communal healing and empowers individuals by connecting them to their heritage, reconnecting people to their cultural spirit. Strengthening Social Bonds: Oral histories facilitate intergenerational dialogue, fostering strong familial and community relationships. This exchange of knowledge and experience enhances social cohesion and collective identity through the connection to culture, essential components of our health and social and emotional wellbeing. Empowerment and Resilience: By reclaiming and narrating their histories, Aboriginal people can challenge dominant narratives and assert their agency. This process of storytelling empowers communities, instills pride, and builds resilience against ongoing challenges. Passing on Histories to Future Generations Oral history collection, digital storytelling projects and community gatherings can serve as platforms for younger generations to learn, preserve, and share their cultural heritage. Conclusion Aboriginal oral histories are invaluable for their therapeutic potential and cultural significance. They offer pathways to healing historical wounds, strengthening social bonds, and fostering resilience. By prioritizing the transmission of these histories to future generations, we can support the ongoing journey towards the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing for Aboriginal communities.