Presentation Information
[SY-68-03]Trauma Island: Listening to Silenced Voices
*Naoko Miyaji (Hitotsubashi University(Japan))
Keywords:
trauma,silence,secrecy,shame,Trauma Island
In this presentation, I introduce the Trauma Island Model, a metaphorical framework I developed to explore the unspoken aspects of trauma and the dynamics surrounding survivors and supporters. Trauma often remains unspoken due to the extreme pain, emotional instability, and fear of societal reactions experienced by survivors. Those most severely affected—whether physically, mentally, or socially—are often silenced entirely, unable to testify or even survive.
The Trauma Island Model uses the image of a doughnut-shaped island with a landlocked inner sea to represent this phenomenon. The inner sea symbolizes those who are silenced, stigmatized, or marginalized, while the slopes of the island represent survivors who begin to speak out and supporters who approach from the outer sea.
The model highlights power dynamics affecting survivors and supporters, including the prolonged effects of trauma (gravity), interpersonal conflicts (wind), and societal misrecognition (water level). Lowering the water level—through increased social recognition and acceptance—creates a safer space for survivors to share their experiences, fostering solidarity and collective movements, such as the "Me Too" movement. However, stigma, shame, and guilt often lead to secrecy and lies, which can perpetuate silence and transgenerational trauma.
While secrecy and lies can be pathogenic, it also has positive aspects, such as inspiring imagination, creativity, and artistic expression. Art plays a vital role in addressing trauma, offering survivors a non-verbal means to express their experiences, fight against trauma symptoms, and foster connection.
The Trauma Island Model provides an interdisciplinary framework to understand trauma, respect silence, and inspire social change, encouraging survivors to speak out and find solidarity in their healing journey.
The Trauma Island Model uses the image of a doughnut-shaped island with a landlocked inner sea to represent this phenomenon. The inner sea symbolizes those who are silenced, stigmatized, or marginalized, while the slopes of the island represent survivors who begin to speak out and supporters who approach from the outer sea.
The model highlights power dynamics affecting survivors and supporters, including the prolonged effects of trauma (gravity), interpersonal conflicts (wind), and societal misrecognition (water level). Lowering the water level—through increased social recognition and acceptance—creates a safer space for survivors to share their experiences, fostering solidarity and collective movements, such as the "Me Too" movement. However, stigma, shame, and guilt often lead to secrecy and lies, which can perpetuate silence and transgenerational trauma.
While secrecy and lies can be pathogenic, it also has positive aspects, such as inspiring imagination, creativity, and artistic expression. Art plays a vital role in addressing trauma, offering survivors a non-verbal means to express their experiences, fight against trauma symptoms, and foster connection.
The Trauma Island Model provides an interdisciplinary framework to understand trauma, respect silence, and inspire social change, encouraging survivors to speak out and find solidarity in their healing journey.