SELS Dialogues Journal Volume 3 Issue 1

Research Initiatives
Resilient IRIS Intergenerational Spirit
Injury and Recovery
by Helen M. Pearman Ziral
Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Adult Education and Collaborative
Program in Women and Gender Studies University of
Toronto
PhD Abstract
This study examined the lived experiences of Diasporic
African women in Canada by focusing on the interlocking
systemic mainstream oppression to spirit injury, a
common factor unacknowledged in current literature.
Psychosocial constructs of matrilineal racialized women
were reviewed in an effort to explore the extent to which
identity, image and inter-intra-personal relations impact
individual mind, body and spirit health.
This empathetic qualitative narrative inquiry examined
herstories of fifteen women who participated in three
independent focus groups. Using the metaphor of the
quilt as both method and hands-on praxis, I was able to
incorporate an amalgam of reflexive genres. The data
derived resulted from interviews undertaken over a
total of 40 hours. I integrated Sankofa, a transformative
Afrocentric cosmology paradigm, as I invited participants
to reflect on matrilineal herstories of spirit injury as they
moved through their often painful reflections of assaults
to their emotional selves; they were then invited to
elaborate on best practices in self-care.
Revelations as a result of herstories of African women
of the Diaspora as they relate to matrilineal spirit injury,
survival of racism, and the after effects of slavery, were
of major significance in providing education information
to individuals and groups positioned to provide support
to spirit injured women. The concluding chapter clarified
the extent of transferability to those who, other than
Diasporic African women, experience intergenerational
spirit injury. I anticipate the research will contribute to
the body of knowledge available to those positioned to
facilitate self-help strategies among women who are
burdened with spirit injury.
To read more about this research study, please contact
the author, Dr. Helen Pearman Ziral.
Author’s Bio
Helen Pearman Ziral, PhD, is a facilitator
of wellness and individual transformation.
She conducts individual, group sessions
and healing circles focused on FIT – Forgive
Intergenerational Trauma – designed to support
women in learning from individual, familial,
and communal stories. An initiative centered
around building interpersonal and intrapersonal
strength, helping individuals achieve emotional
balance essential for physical wellness. Dr.
Helen Ziral is a college professor experienced in
wellness, psychology, stress management, and
personal development
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