Sharing Stories of the 9/11 Experience: An Exploratory Study of the Tribute Walking Tour Program

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the perceived benefits of sharing one's personal story of trauma and loss with a public audience. A group of 103 volunteer docents who were directly affected by the September 11 terrorist attacks were surveyed about their experiences conducting walking tours around the World Trade Center site. Analysis of quantitative and qualitative data revealed four primary benefits of the program: ability to interact with visitors, ability to educate, ability to make sense of events, and ability to find something positive in the experience. Results are discussed in terms of healing and meaning reconstruction.

KEYWORDS:

• meaning reconstruction
• September 11
• story-telling
• terrorism
• traumatic loss

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am grateful to the staff and docents at the Tribute World Trade Center Visitor's Center who allowed me to conduct this research. I also thank the many colleagues and reviewers who provided feedback and assistance with this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katherine M. Richardson

Katherine M. Richardson received her PhD from Baruch College, City University of New York. She is an assistant professor of management at the Lubin School of Business, Pace University. Her research focuses on ways in which individuals can better manage their responses to stressors, be they manmade or natural, in order to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.