“After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body
Abstract Background Trauma from torture is expressed primarily through bodily sensations and emotions, reflecting its deep imprint on the body’s memory. Merleau-Ponty’s existential phenomenology, which emphasizes the lived body, provides a valuable framework for discussing the intricate interplay be...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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2025-03-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02507-4 |
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| author | Ana Carla S. P. Schippert Ellen Karine Grov Ann Kristin Bjørnnes |
| author_facet | Ana Carla S. P. Schippert Ellen Karine Grov Ann Kristin Bjørnnes |
| author_sort | Ana Carla S. P. Schippert |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Trauma from torture is expressed primarily through bodily sensations and emotions, reflecting its deep imprint on the body’s memory. Merleau-Ponty’s existential phenomenology, which emphasizes the lived body, provides a valuable framework for discussing the intricate interplay between physical and psychological experiences. Through this approach, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact of torture on survivors, which in turn informs holistic recovery strategies. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to explore the nuanced experiences of individuals who have endured torture, aiming to cultivate a profound comprehension of their journeys. Additionally, this study sought to explore the inherent risks of retraumatization within healthcare settings. Methods This study, approved by the Norwegian Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, involved in-depth interviews with six torture survivors. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The article explores survivors’ experiences by means of Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body. Results The study identified four main themes: resisting torture–ignoring the body; fear and vulnerability–the unsafe body; broken trust–the broken body; and resilience–rebuilding the body. The participants reported various torture methods, including physical violence, asphyxiation, dragging, electric shocks, witnessing torture and murder, and sexual abuse, along with positional torture. They also noted instances of health-related torture, such as the deliberate withholding of medical care and the involvement of healthcare professionals. Conclusions Survivors’ accounts of torture raise awareness about its widespread impact and deepen the understanding of its physical and psychological effects. Merleau-Ponty’s concept of the lived body enhances our grasp of the body’s connection to the world, informing better care and retraumatization prevention. This perspective can shape public opinion, policy, and global efforts to prevent torture, support survivors, and improve healthcare, while personal stories humanize the issue and challenge torturers’ claims. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ad1f4e1b37dd47ffb5cb6722e62e73bd |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2050-7283 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-ad1f4e1b37dd47ffb5cb6722e62e73bd2025-08-20T02:59:56ZengBMCBMC Psychology2050-72832025-03-0113112610.1186/s40359-025-02507-4“After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived bodyAna Carla S. P. Schippert0Ellen Karine Grov1Ann Kristin Bjørnnes2Institute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan UniversityInstitute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan UniversityInstitute of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan UniversityAbstract Background Trauma from torture is expressed primarily through bodily sensations and emotions, reflecting its deep imprint on the body’s memory. Merleau-Ponty’s existential phenomenology, which emphasizes the lived body, provides a valuable framework for discussing the intricate interplay between physical and psychological experiences. Through this approach, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact of torture on survivors, which in turn informs holistic recovery strategies. Objectives The primary objective of this study was to explore the nuanced experiences of individuals who have endured torture, aiming to cultivate a profound comprehension of their journeys. Additionally, this study sought to explore the inherent risks of retraumatization within healthcare settings. Methods This study, approved by the Norwegian Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics, involved in-depth interviews with six torture survivors. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The article explores survivors’ experiences by means of Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body. Results The study identified four main themes: resisting torture–ignoring the body; fear and vulnerability–the unsafe body; broken trust–the broken body; and resilience–rebuilding the body. The participants reported various torture methods, including physical violence, asphyxiation, dragging, electric shocks, witnessing torture and murder, and sexual abuse, along with positional torture. They also noted instances of health-related torture, such as the deliberate withholding of medical care and the involvement of healthcare professionals. Conclusions Survivors’ accounts of torture raise awareness about its widespread impact and deepen the understanding of its physical and psychological effects. Merleau-Ponty’s concept of the lived body enhances our grasp of the body’s connection to the world, informing better care and retraumatization prevention. This perspective can shape public opinion, policy, and global efforts to prevent torture, support survivors, and improve healthcare, while personal stories humanize the issue and challenge torturers’ claims.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02507-4TortureInterpretative phenomenological analysisMerleau-PontyRetraumatization |
| spellingShingle | Ana Carla S. P. Schippert Ellen Karine Grov Ann Kristin Bjørnnes “After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body BMC Psychology Torture Interpretative phenomenological analysis Merleau-Ponty Retraumatization |
| title | “After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body |
| title_full | “After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body |
| title_fullStr | “After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body |
| title_full_unstemmed | “After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body |
| title_short | “After torture, everything changed”: the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and Merleau-Ponty’s theory of the lived body |
| title_sort | after torture everything changed the unpacking of trauma from torture with interpretative phenomenological analysis and merleau ponty s theory of the lived body |
| topic | Torture Interpretative phenomenological analysis Merleau-Ponty Retraumatization |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02507-4 |
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