Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth from Citizen Narratives of Refugees from the 1947 Partition of British India

Background: There is paucity of ethnographic survivor analysis of the 1947 Partition of British India. Methods: This qualitative study leverages post-traumatic growth (PTG) theory to explore the impact of mass migration trauma in childhood. Ten refugee narratives were collected by citizen historians. Interviews were translated, transcribed, and analyzed. Results: Elements of post-traumatic growth were revealed in all 5 domains for nine out of ten survivors. Discussion: Survivors’ appreciation of life often manifested in passion for a discipline or hobby. The importance of meaningful interpersonal relationships was observed and extended to acquaintances from other religious groups. Increased personal strength was revealed through increased personal tenacity or a strong work ethic. Changed priorities was displayed in a survivor who was able to forgive. Evidence of a richer spiritual life was found in survivors advocating for religious tolerance. Contribution: This analysis informs patient-centered approaches for improving mental health care for today’s refugees