Developing relational resilience in the midst of conflict

Abstract

This article presents an approach to encounter group interventions in the midst of protracted, entrenched conflict, that has relational resilience as its focus. Through a constructionist grounded theory analysis, interviews with 31 alumni of the Artsbridge program from 2008 through 2019, former staff, and parents of alumni, were analyzed in order to explore how they understand their experience of the Artsbridge program and the impact it has had on their lives. This analysis of interviews led to the primary theme of relational resilience. The Artsbridge model of relational resilience will be introduced. While many programs exist that work with youth in conflict, the Artsbridge program is unique in its use of Transformative Reflecting Dialogue, artistic modalities, and collaborative art. Through decades of violence and separation, Israeli and Palestinian narratives have become negatively interdependent and mutually exclusive. Artsbridge methodology encourages the development of more inclusive narratives and an appreciation of and tolerance for complexity. The research discussed in this article suggests that encouraging the development of relational resilience may lead to more constructive and sustainable outcomes when working within communities continuing to live in the midst of intractable conflict.