| The State of Mississippi has seized thousands of privately owned properties and transferred them to private developers for commercial use with its power of eminent domain. Unfortunately, the potential for psychological trauma to those displaced by property seizures has been underappreciated. The research problem addressed in this investigation is whether or not individuals displaced by eminent domain in Mississippi experienced symptoms of posttraumatic stress, including root shock. Building on the work of Fullilove, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate the impact of eminent domain on individuals in central Mississippi who were displaced between the years 1991 and 2006. The research questions focused on understanding the perceptions and lived experience of individuals displaced by eminent domain. Using a purposive sample of 15 participants, the researcher used comprehensive interviews and respondent storytelling to understand the participants' experience with eminent domain. Each participant's response was sorted, coded, and analyzed for themes using Nvivo 8, AnnoTape qualitative-research software, and a digital audio recorder. The results of this study indicate that a strong relationship exists between the execution of eminent domain and emotional distress among displaced individuals. This research can be used to reduce the incidence of posttraumatic stress among those affected, if the recommendations for improving the process surrounding eminent domain are implemented. Recommendations include insuring accountability for the impact on displaced persons through collaboration between the government, business, and community stakeholders, and offering programs that provide event preparation, posttraumatic support and education for residents that would mitigate the emotional trauma resulting from the execution of eminent domain. |
