THE IMPACT OF REPRESSIVE VIOLENCE DURING THE ARGENTINEAN MILITARY DICTATORSHIP ON SURVIVORS AND RELATIVES OF THE DISAPPEARED

Abstract

This study explores the impact of repressive violence during the last Argentinean military dictatorship's on a sample of relatives of people detained-disappeared for political reasons (n ​​= 30) and people who survived imprisonment and torture (n = 22). Facing the experience from a political point of view, remaining socially active and positive social support are string elements in providing sense to the experience and generating a positive identity as a survivor. Vice versa, hiding and avoidance are related to post-traumatic symptoms, difficulties in the mourning process and a greater negative impact on basic beliefs.