Traversing the Shadow Space: Experiences of Spatiality After College Student Trauma

The purpose of this hermeneutic and post-intentional phenomenological study was to explore spatial dimensions of the experiences of college student survivors of trauma. Specifically, this study unearthed how individual traumatic experiences traveled through campus environments and what this meant for survivors’ lived experiences as college students. Results suggested deeply embodied and affective experiences of shadow spaces in which survivors navigated campus environments through the lens of threats to safety and integrity. Although difficulties inevitably arose, participants also demonstrated many strategies and sources of strength through these navigations. Implications for higher education research and practice are provided.