The Life of a Top Boy: a Qualitative Exploration of Young, Black Men and their Stories of Experiencing Violent Activity in the Context of Gang Affiliation and Trauma

Rationale and Aims: There is speculation that young Black men (YBM) exposed to gang-affiliated violence are likely to have negative impacts on their psychological functioning, but not enough research has explored this. It is important that we hear from YBM themselves as experts in their lived experiences. The current research aimed to listen to YBM in London, examining trauma relating to gang-affiliated violence and how YBM make sense of their experiences. Methods: This qualitative study utilised an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how eight YBM between the ages of 19-32 storied their lived experiences of gang-affiliated violence and trauma. Findings: Three Group Experiential Themes (GETs) and eight subthemes were identified from the data. Together, the themes described the complex interlink of human experience marked by trauma, socially deprived environments, systemic abuses, discrimination, healing, and coping. Participants attempted to make sense of their longstanding traumas and the subsequent responses. These traumatising experiences elicited fear among other emotions. The persistent nature of violence in their communities created a sense of normalisation, and behaviours were adopted to navigate these threats. These threats were not only from peers but from the police also. Attempts were then made to cope with the ongoing threats of violence. Discussion: Findings of this study were discussed in relation to the wider literature. This research produced new knowledge about how YBM exposed to gang-affiliated violence make sense of their experiences, and the trauma responses they portray which challenge traditional perceptions of trauma and PTSD. This research has the potential to influence developments in statutory services, as well as raising awareness and inspiring action. Clinical implications for working with this population were also considered.