The “Do You Know” Study

If there is anything you take away from my website, I hope it is from this page. The “Do You Know” study, conducted by two professors at Emery University, Dr. Duke Marshall and Robyn Fruvish, Ph.D. has offered data on individuals processing trauma. The study is based off of twenty questions, and, each question can lead into a conversation with more information. It has been replicated around the world and has been found it is helpful with those who have PTSD.

Initially, the study began with discussing stories sharing a meal around a dinner table. (What a great way to share moments about your day with others.) Eventually, the study grew…

9/11

Although the study is not based off of genealogy, it consists of oral tradition, a form of genealogy in its own right. And it is something we do on a daily basis without over thinking it. It is as simple as when you ask someone “what did you do today?” The twenty questions, like genealogy, have their own impact on our personal lives. Sometimes the stories we know, and the stories we learn about family, allow us all to have the ability to think, “…well, if that person was able to… I can too.” As important as it is to learn the positive, it is important to remember the challenging moments. If more moments were shared about our lives, it provides others with a unique perspective and resiliency to possible unknown future challenges.

Genealogy can offer greater understanding into personal histories. It places people contextually in a time and place, and allows others, to learn about their lives. The “Do You Know” study can be used as a catalyst into an ongoing adventure into history. Genealogy has the ability to capture it, write a narrative, and offer it to future generations. After all, knowledge is power.