Collective memory studies have been growing in production of knowledge, but conceptual and methodological advances remain scarce. This research note contributes by presenting an innovative and interactive group method that seeks to analyze how collective memories are constructed by different generations in their interactions with four memory sites related to the Military Dictatorship in Chile. The theoretical and methodological conceptualizations that led to the proposed method are discussed. The method includes a dialogical accompaniment and triangular groups that enable the study of people's interactions at and with memory sites. Methodological challenges encountered are discussed, as well as interesting findings regarding the construction of generational memories. The complexity of studying collective memory processes and generational discourse at memory sites in countries with traumatic pasts like Chile demands the construction of innovative methods. Researchers designing memory studies should dare taking methodological designs a step forward in order to generate challenging new methods.

En el presente artículo se da a conocer una estrategia de intervención llevada a cabo con adultos mayores en la comuna de Paredones, sexta región de Chile, con posterioridad al terremoto y tsunami del 27 de febrero 2010 en Chile, en el contexto de una investigación sobre fortalezas y vulnerabilidades desplegadas por este grupo etario, con posterioridad a un desastre natural. Se presenta una descripción del desarrollo metodológico de la intervención y de los sustentos teóricos y conceptuales en los que se basa. Como resultado de este proceso, se propone una estrategia que trabaje a través de la identificación de las propias experiencias y fortalezas de los sujetos. De tal forma se minimizan los efectos negativos de los determinantes sociales de la salud (como la edad y el lugar de residencia) en contexto de crisis; permitiendo a los adultos mayores fortalecer sus recursos individuales y colectivos, en pro de su bienestar psicosocial.

This article reflects on a methodological research proposal developed from the perspective of interdisciplinary action research in the context of fear-coping interventions for older people in seven rural areas of southern Chile, following the earthquake and tsunami of February 2010. First, we used interventions based on music and art therapy to gather information on their emotional condition. We not only identified high levels of psychological stress, but also that their strengths were related to the Chilean culture and folk traditions. The creative strategies used proved to be therapeutic and healing, since participants reported they were able to express their fears, giving new meaning to their experiences in a collective context. The results highlight the importance of engaging with community members in the production of knowledge, and in defining collectively the cultural pertinence of interventions. It concludes with a discussion about the possibility of replicating this proposal in post-disaster intervention contexts

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