The presentation will begin with contextual background, including the history of occupation, war, and natural disaster that shapes the context of Sri Lanka today. Then it will move to the findings of two studies examining mass-trauma-related loss and stigma processes (both internal and external). Also the role and position of the researcher in vulnerable contexts in these projects and in general will be discussed.

Alyssa Banford Witting is an associate professor in the School of Family Life at BYU. Witting’s research interest broadly encompasses processes and resources that sustain trauma symptoms as well as aid rehabilitation in trauma affected populations.