ABSTRACT

Research on experiences of former young soldiers in Colombia, from their own frame of reference, and which includes both distress and growth, is rare. Person-Centered theory argues for an inherent potential for growth in all organisms and could provide further understanding of the experiences of these young women. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of six demobilized Colombian young women, and to understand their experiences through Person-Centered theory. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews, and the young women’s experiences were organized into four themes. It is argued that these young women underwent a cultural conditioning specific to living in a war zone, followed by a social conditioning by the illegally armed groups. Even in an extremely oppressive environment, socially constructive behaviors were present, and growth was evident in most participants. It is maintained that a Person-Centered approach would be highly beneficial when working therapeutically with demobilized youth.

摘要

从他们自己的参考框架中对哥伦比亚前年轻士兵的经历进行的研究，包括痛苦和成长，是罕见的。以人为中心的理论认为所有生物都有内在的生长潜力，可以进一步了解这些年轻女性的经历。本研究旨在探讨六名复员哥伦比亚年轻女性的经历，并通过以人为本的理论了解她们的经历。使用主题分析来分析访谈，并将年轻女性的经历分为四个主题。有人认为，这些年轻女性经历了生活在战区所特有的文化条件，然后是非法武装团体的社会条件。即使在极度压抑的环境中，也存在具有社会建设性的行为，大多数参与者的增长都很明显。人们认为，以人为本的方法在与复员青年进行治疗性工作时将非常有益。