From Victims to Survivors: Understanding the Psychological Impact of Trauma Experienced by Acid-Attack Survivors through Qualitative Research

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the various dimensions of the trauma response of acid attack survivors. Acid attack is a brutal form of gender-based violence with drastic consequences for survivors, including catastrophic emotional responses and the exhaustion of available coping devices and resources. It’s concerning that the repercussions of actions such as this are merely studied through their physiological and social consequences. Owing to this gap, the current study adopted a qualitative approach to explore the psychological impact of trauma experienced by acid attack survivors. Thematic Analysis was employed as a methodological preference, which examined and extracted themes and patterns relating to the psychological impact from the lived experience of the participants/survivors. 11 semi-structured interviews consisting of 12 questions each were conducted, out of which four superordinate themes emerged: Individual perspective on Mental Health, Attitudes towards Counselling and Psychotherapy, Impact of Structural and Societal Factors and Post-Traumatic Growth. These findings demonstrate that the nature of trauma experienced by acid-attack survivors is complex, which is aggravated by discrimination and structural limitations. All survivors have coped with the attack and their trauma in different ways over the years, all of them showing post-traumatic growth. There is a need for psychological interventions for survivors, along with systemic support.