Awaiting the worst: Historical trauma and the inter-ethnic relationship between the Lemko minority and the Polish majority

This study examines the enduring impact of historical trauma on the Lemko ethnic minority in Poland, focusing on the interrelation between collective memory, perceived discrimination, and trust toward the Polish majority. Combining qualitative methods—including permanent participant observation and in-depth interviews—with a quantitative survey of 243 Lemkos, the research explores how transgenerational narratives of forced displacement and ethnic persecution shape contemporary social attitudes. The findings reveal that frequent thoughts about historical trauma and associated psychological symptoms are positively correlated with perceived ethnic discrimination and negatively correlated with trust in majority-group institutions. While perceived discrimination alone did not significantly predict trust, historical trauma symptoms mediated the relationship, underscoring their central role in shaping intergroup dynamics. This interdisciplinary, emic-etic approach highlights both the resilience and vulnerability of a marginalized community grappling with a legacy of dispossession. The study contributes to the understanding of collective victimhood and its psychosocial consequences, offering insights for reconciliation efforts, minority advocacy, and culturally sensitive policymaking.