Stories that Wound, Stories that Heal: Navigating the Effects of Performing Traumatic Experiences in Collegiate Forensics

Author

• Manuel Reyes, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Abstract

This thesis explores the student's motivation for performing traumatic experiences in forensics and what considerations come with the performance of choice. The literature review highlights the intricate nature of trauma, emphasizing benefits of storytelling in recovery, and the current state of forensics when it comes to performing traumatic experiences on judges and spectators. The research examines the motivation on students for performing traumatic experiences and how the students navigate the tensions before, during, and after performance. Through semistructured interviews with current and former competitors, the research delves into the justification and the impacts of performing traumatic experiences. The thesis shows that if these types of performances should persist, there should be better attempts at self-regulation, while also revealing the negative effects on the student mentally and physically and from others in the community. Ultimately, the research contributes to a better understanding of motivation, such as a desire for competitive success or to heal from their own traumatic experiences, from students and when performing these types of stories, often there is a lack of consideration of harm on the students. The research uncovers the effects of these performances in a competitive activity like forensics and proposes precautions to the community if performances of traumatic experiences should persist, how to properly protect the students and the overall community.

Advisor

Justin Rudnick

Committee Member

Anne Kerber

Committee Member

Rachael Hanel

Date of Degree

2026

Language

english

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Program of Study

Forensics and Communication

Department

Communication and Media

College

Humanities and Social Sciences

Recommended Citation

Reyes, M. (2026). Stories the wound, stories that heal: Navigating the effects of performing traumatic experiences in collegiate forensics [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1605/

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.