Long-term effects of living through both evacuation and the bombing of London during the Second World War as perceived by those who experienced them : a qualitative study

• Main Author: Sturgeon-Clegg, Imogen Sarah
• Published: City University London 2007
• Subjects: 155; BF Psychology
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.514499

Considering the Second World War such events as evacuation and the bombing of London affected millions of people, there is very little psychological research and therefore literature investigating the long-term effects. Several previous studies have been quantitative in nature, relying on questionnaires to explore the effects of evacuation alone (e.g. Foster, Davies & Steele 2003). This study is the first of its kind in that its aim is to ask those who experienced both evacuation and the bombing of London what they consider to be the long-term effects. Ten participants recruited through a poster campaign took part in one-to-one, face-to-face interviews to investigate their experiences and the long-term effects they perceive affect their lives in the present. Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss 1967) methodology was used to analyse the data. Several multi-dimensional concepts and a theoretical model emerged from the data that demonstrate the effects these participants experience that have endured for more than sixty years and the origins of these effects. Some of the findings of this enquiry echo existing literature. Most importantly the enquiry produced new and significant information regarding the long-term effects of both evacuation and the bombing of London relating to the formation and development of identity and both physical and psychological survival.