A thematic analysis of the literature of the lived experiences of collective trauma due to deportation causing separation among Mexican and Central American individuals, couples, and families

Through this thematic analysis study, this researcher examined the experiences of collective trauma as reported by Latina/os individuals, couples, and families separated due to deportation. In this study, four dissertations and one thesis, during the time range of 2013-2017, were reviewed to explore the meanings of the lived experiences of individuals, couples and families facing the challenges of separation. This researcher explored the responses of persons whose origins were from Mexico and Central America and were affected by United States migratory legislation through the lens of phenomenology; the Internal Family Systems Theory (IFS, 1995); the Borderland Theory (1987); and, Anzalduan epistemologies (Anzaldua & Keating, 2002). The focus of the study was to understand the following: (1) the negative and psychological effects of persons experiencing oppression (Cudd, 2006); (2) the three concepts of social exclusion (Mathieson et al., 2008); and, (3) the effect of trauma on the brain, body and mind of the person as expressed through states of dissociation and shame (Kaufman, 1985; van der Hart, 2006; van der Kolk, 2014). Major Themes from Research Question 1: What did Latina/o individuals describe as their experiences of deportation? The three major themes identified for research question one were as followed: 1.1 Fear: Existential threat toward Self and group; Subtheme 1.1a: Self and identity issues: In-between; 1.2 Painful detachments: Sudden loss of family member; Subtheme 1.2a: Shame and secrecy: Remain silent; 1.3 Economic hardships: Double burdens on the family; Subtheme 1.3a: Enculturation trauma: Lost in transmission. Major Themes from Research Question 2: How did Latino couples describe their experiences of separation due to deportation? The two major themes identified for research question two are as follows: 2.1 Lack of economic support from deportee: Living in Canal City; 2.2 Disconnection in the relationship: Unbridgeable; Subtheme 2.2a: Insecure attachments: Illegal love. Major Themes from Research Question 3: How did family members process and construct meaning when experiencing separation due to deportation? The two major themes to research question three included: 3.1 Family reunification: Mr. Coyote; 3.2) Social pain: Broken spirits; Subtheme 3.2a: Psychological homelessness: Open wound. The obligation to conduct research that centralized on transforming societal inequalities to produce positive social change was a genuine effort in sustaining humanity. The commitment in promoting research across cultural contexts involved interdisciplinary focus on the social levels, the mind, brain and body. To address inequalities and heal culture wounds in families required an advanced knowledge of the complexity of social realities.