PREFACE
Traumatic stress is one of the most challenging experiences that can leave a person at the height of vulnerability to bio-psychosocial maladjustments. Children who come into conflict with the law form a high-risk category for post-traumatic stress disorder. Crime related trauma takes on multifaceted ramifications for its victims, which are in addition to what the other trauma victims encounter. Hypnosis is a valuable tool that can bring about remarkable effects to enhance one’s psychological well being. It makes possible the integration of what seem to be incompatible realities within an individual by allowing access to traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner.
Adolescents who engage in criminal activities are frequently exposed to various traumatic experiences. The traumatized adolescents involved in criminal activities are referred to as ‘children in conflict with the law.’ Studies have confirmed the adverse health consequences like depression, anxiety and risk-taking behavior as a result of exposure to trauma. Shame, loss of self-worth, anger, bitterness, social alienation, guilt and remorse are some of the aspects that distinguish them from others. The negative effects of their actions as minors can continue to torment them for the rest of their lives. These factors exercise added pressure on their already depleted resources and defenses. Traumatization is also positively correlated to the increase in the social problems among children (Wethington, 2006).
The findings of investigation in an adolescent sample by Suliman, Mkabile, Fincham, Ahmed, Stein, and Seedat (2009), revealed that adolescents exposed to multiple traumas stood a greater chance of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and depression than those with single trauma experience. It is imperative for those suffering from such traumatic stress symptoms to undergo specialized assessment and treatment for symptom reductions and enhance their functioning capabilities (Sprang, Craig, & Clark, 2008).
The criminal justice system, while not treating young offenders on par with adult criminals, has not succeeded in reforming and reinstating them to their lost human dignity. Denying the delinquents some basic rights for a short time and keeping them in de-humanizing conditions may curtail their involvement in anti-social activities just for that while. The psychological turmoil left unattended in the meantime become unmanageable. Correctional homes seek to rehabilitate these vagrant youngsters by punitive methods with a view to fix their social ‘misdemeanour’. However, as Appel (2003, p.90) points out, “the essence of rehabilitation is the restoration of the physical and psychological capacities of individuals who have suffered functional losses because of traumatic injury or illness.”
This work, the fruit of an experimental research, is a testimony to the life-changing and therapeutic effects of psychological intervention that provided a second chance in life to the traumatized youngsters. As they realigned their shattered dreams and forged ahead to live a purposeful life, may this be a beacon to all who grope in the darkness of psycho trauma.
About the Author
Dr. James Chacko Molekunnel is a member of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Kolkata province since 1981. He is a life member of the Salesian Psychological Association of India as well as of the Association of Psychological and Educational Counsellors of the Asia-Pacific. He holds an M.A. in English literature and M.Sc. in Holistic Psychological Counseling. He was conferred PhD in Clinical Psychology with Magna cum Laude on defending his research entitled: “Effectiveness of Clinical Hypnosis in Alleviating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms among Children in Conflict with the Law.” He was the Asian Regional Chaplain of International Young Christian Students (2009 -2012).
His fields of experience range from working with juvenile delinquents, teaching in academic and technical schools, colleges and seminaries; to professional counseling. He was the Camp Chief of the sixth Indian National Boscoree (gathering of Don Bosco scouts and guides) held in Kolkata; Ex Co member of National Youth Convention, New Delhi and organizer of the YCS National Council, Kolkata. He co-organized the Indian Catholic Psychologists’ Gathering in Kolkata and presented a paper on ‘Psychology for the marginalized’ with focus on street children. He is a certified trainer in Yoga, Pranic Healing,& Clinical Hypnosis.He has served as the
Vocation director and Youth Coordinator of Kolkata province, West Bengal – Sikkim Regional Youth director, HoD of Psychology at Salesian College Siliguri and Rector of Salesian Philosophate, Sonada, Darjeeling. He has participated in the IYCS Asian Council in Malaysia, Global IYCS Chaplains’ Animation in Rome, the IYCS International Committee meeting in Burkina Faso, West Africa, IYCS South Asian Session in Sri Lanka, IYCS World Council, New Delhi, India, Hypnotherapy Training, California, USA and the IYCS Asian Council in Seoul, South Korea
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