Exploring Generational and Vicarious Trauma in the Haitian Diaspora of America: A Phenomenological Inquiry

The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological qualitative study is to understand the generational and vicarious trauma experiences of first-generation Haitians living in the diaspora in the United States (U.S.) and to gain insight into how trauma affects their lives. To achieve an advanced understanding of this population, this study explores the factors contributing to participants' trauma experiences focusing on coping strategies and interpersonal impacts. Haitians, as the first enslaved people to liberate themselves from their European colonizers, have built a rich history marked by overcoming adversity and resilience. Historically, the ongoing cycle of trauma stemming from Haiti's persistent challenges, including political instability, natural disasters, and escalating violence, cultivates a unique generational trauma among this immigrant population profoundly affecting their post immigration journey in the U.S. The study participants report using their faith in God to cope with cultural and mental health stigmas influencing their identity and decision making and expressed an overwhelming desire to reengage with their homeland. Trauma impact various aspects of participants life including interpersonal connections fostering mistrust emphasizing the need for mental health awareness and education in the Haitian community. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, this study identifies resilience strategies, the importance of mental health support, and challenges experienced by first generations Haitians in the diaspora. The findings intimate a complex trauma experience of first-generation Haitians that is shaped by culture and history, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions.