Common wounds, collective healing: A phenomenological exploration of racial trauma as an outcome of experienced systemic racism in the UK

Rationale and Aims: The phenomenon of systemic racism (SR) is thought to be well understood, yet little is done to frame this concept from the perspectives of those most affected, the Global Majority (GM) populations. In the United Kingdom (UK), SR is often denied or inadequately addressed. A possible implication of this is racial trauma (RT); however, UK-based RT research is limited. This study aimed to explore how GM groups perceive SR to manifest across five UK institutional settings: education, employment, media, law enforcement and healthcare. Furthermore, the study highlighted how these experiences contribute to RT and how it presents in GM individuals in the UK. This study also explored participants’ coping strategies, acts of resistance and healing. Methods: This study utilised Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). This incorporated the use of five focus groups and five one-to-one interviews. Sixteen GM individuals, aged 19-40 years old, participated in the study. Findings: Six superordinate and 19 sub-themes emerged, revealing unique experiences of SR and RT. Participants lived experiences of SR were characterised by institutional neglect, implicit biases, systematic exclusion and acts of resistance. The subsequent distress from these experiences aligned with existing definitions of RT. The group discourse facilitated empathy as participants made sense of their own stories and others. It was reported that focus group participation was healing. Discussion: The findings of this study reveal how SR and RT manifest in a UK context. Several frameworks are explored in relation to the findings, offering a lens to better understand SR and RT in the UK. The study offers unique insights into how SR is perceived and how this elicits RT in GM communities. The findings challenge traditional trauma frameworks and support the recognition of RT. This can inform community and clinical interventions to shape policy reforms, thereby reducing racial disparities.