Making Meaning of the September 11 Attacks: Spanish- and Mandarin-Speaking Focus Groups |
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| Authors: | Anne E Johnson Carol S North David E Pollio |
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| Institution: | 1. Resident in Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;2. Medical Director, The Altshuler Center for Education &3. Research, Metrocare Services;4. The Department of Psychiatry (The Nancy and Ray L. Hunt Chair in Crisis Psychiatry and Professor of Psychiatry), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;5. Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Social Work, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama |
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| Abstract: | This article examines experiences and perceptions related to the September 11, 2001, attacks among members of two immigrant groups (Spanish-speaking and Mandarin-speaking) in New York City. Focus groups were conducted 1–2 years after the attacks. Qualitative analysis was conducted using ATLAS.ti. Three major themes emerged: (a) Immediate Experience of the Attacks, (b) Evolving Psychological Adjustment, and (c) Long-Term Issues of Public Concern. The groups’ discussions diverged with temporal progression across these themes, reflecting increasing congruence with broad conceptualizations of their respective cultures. The findings suggest that, over time, culture increasingly influenced the meaning these people made of the disaster. |
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| Keywords: | 9/11 attacks culture disaster mental health disaster psychiatry focus group study Mandarin-speaking meaning Spanish-speaking |
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