Emotional Expression in Igbo Poetry as a Response to trauma and its Effect on the Human Psyche

Abstract

Trauma has a profound impact on individuals and societies, often leaving lasting emotional scars. In the context of the Igbo community, which has faced various forms of historical and contemporary periods, the expression of emotions becomes a complex and nuanced process. This study delves into the realm of Igbo poetry, investigating how emotional expression within this literary form serves as a response to trauma and its subsequent effects on the human psyche. Drawing on the rich tradition of Igbo poetry and its significance, this research seeks to unravel the ways in which emotional expression operates within the context of trauma. By employing a qualitative approach, the study conducts an in-depth analysis of selected Igbo poems from these poetry texts: Echiche, AkỠBụ Ndụ and Ije Ụwa that explore themes of trauma, loss, and resilience. The research adopts the posttraumatic growth theory of Richard G. Tedeschi and Lawrence G. Calhoun, which posits that individuals can experience positive psychological changes and personal growth following traumatic experiences through emotional expression. The findings portray that through poetic writing and expression, silenced emotions arising from traumatic experiences find their voice through poetry and uncovers the multifaceted nature of emotional expression in Igbo poetry and its transformative power. Also the study revealed the impact of emotional expression on individual and collective healing, resilience, and empowerment. The findings also shed light on the role of Igbo poetry as a cathartic outlet for emotional release and a means of processing trauma. The researcher suggests for individuals to inculcate the art of poetic writing using a thematic expression as a way to release feelings of loss, fear, betrayal, disappointments which could lead to a point of depression if not disclose and for therapist to imbibe into their practice the poetic emotional expression as a methodology and mechanism.