The Diaspora Experience
The Diaspora Experience is an independent research project led by Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, focusing on the psychological aspects of Palestinians living abroad, especially those outside Arabic-speaking countries. Dr. Zarqa-Lederman's graduate studies at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology highlighted the necessity for an in-depth exploration of this population.
Her study, "Descendants of Palestine: Exploring the Right of Return in Diaspora," uncovered evidence of settler-colonial trauma—a form of intergenerational trauma—among Palestinian participants born in the United States. This project aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the Palestinian diaspora experience by examining themes such as settler colonialism, cultural identity, social memory, generational trauma, and anti-Palestinian racism.
Adopting a community psychology approach, The Diaspora Experience seeks to empower Palestinian communities worldwide by providing context and understanding of their unique generational trauma. Additionally, it offers counseling professionals culturally responsive tools to support Palestinian clients and their communities globally. The project continually updates its information as new research and studies become available. Readers are invited to explore the findings and join in supporting the well-being of the Palestinian diaspora.
The project continually updates its information as new research and studies become available. Readers are invited to explore the findings and join in supporting the well-being of the Palestinian diaspora.