The Diaspora Experience
Welcome to The Diaspora Experience, an independent research project led by Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman. Dr. Zarqa-Lederman's graduate studies at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology reinforced the need for an in-depth investigation into the psychology of Palestinians living abroad, particularly those outside of Arabic-speaking countries.
Her study, Descendants of Palestine: Exploring the Right of Return in Diaspora, uncovered evidence of settler-colonial trauma, a type of intergenerational trauma, among Palestinian participants born in the United States. This project aims to further bridge the gap in knowledge and understanding of the Palestinian diaspora experience by exploring themes that originated from the original study; settler colonialism, cultural identity, social memory, generational trauma, and anti-Palestinian racism.
Adopting a community psychology approach, The Diaspora Experience aims to empower Palestinian communities throughout the diaspora by providing a context and understanding of their unique generational trauma. The project also aims to provide counseling professionals with a culturally responsive tool to support Palestinian clients and their communities worldwide.
Information is periodically added as more research is published and studies become available. We invite you to explore the findings of this project and to join us in supporting the well-being of the Palestinian diaspora.