The contribution of All Quiet on the Western Front to our understanding of psychological trauma
By: Nigel Hunt
http://www.academia.edu/189503/The_contribution_of_All_Quiet_on_the_Western_Front_to_our_understanding_of_psychological_trauma
Abstract
The most effective way of coping with a traumatic event is to develop a narrative, which can take many forms, e.g., talking to friends and family, formal treatment, written accounts. Autobiographical works and novels by ex-soldiers are good examples of texts, which can aid psychologists’ understanding of traumatic stress, providing powerful insights not normally obtained through traditional psychological methods. Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front , illustrates the psychological problems experienced by men in battle. Psychologists have rarely used novels as sources of data,yet they provide a rich insight into the problems associated with traumatic events.The issues raised in the book include: an account of battle experience, civilian understanding, memory and coping. This approach can be used to extend our understanding of traumatic situations.© 2004 Elsevier SAS.All rights reserved.
The most effective way of coping with a traumatic event is to develop a narrative, which can take many forms, e.g., talking to friends and family, formal treatment, written accounts. Autobiographical works and novels by ex-soldiers are good examples of texts, which can aid psychologists’ understanding of traumatic stress, providing powerful insights not normally obtained through traditional psychological methods. Remarque’s All Quiet on the Western Front , illustrates the psychological problems experienced by men in battle. Psychologists have rarely used novels as sources of data,yet they provide a rich insight into the problems associated with traumatic events.The issues raised in the book include: an account of battle experience, civilian understanding, memory and coping. This approach can be used to extend our understanding of traumatic situations.© 2004 Elsevier SAS.All rights reserved.