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Article
The Significance of Community Support for Survivors of a Natural Disaster
The Open Family Studies Journal
  • Marian S. Harris, University of Washington Tacoma
  • Ganita Musa
  • Ryan Brookman
Publication Date
12-30-2016
Document Type
Article
Abstract

This community based participatory research study was conducted in Oso, WA. Ten survivors of the 2014 mudslide participated in a focus group and discussed their experiences before and after this natural disaster. Findings revealed that the majority of participants had feelings of confusion/redundancy and were still processing feelings of grief and loss at the time of the focus group. Another finding was the strong sense of community expressed by all participants and the high level of support participants provided to each other during and after the mudslide. The study also highlighted the need for mental health resources to be part of any disaster relief plan because survivors need emotional support. Finally, findings demonstrated the importance of outside relief organizations seeking input from community members prior to implementing disaster relief; findings highlighted the significance of utilizing the high level of knowledge regarding area landslides expressed by members of the Oso community.

DOI
10.2174/1874922401608010037
Publisher Policy
online journal; no SHERPA/RoMEO policy available
Citation Information
Marian S. Harris, Ganita Musa and Ryan Brookman. "The Significance of Community Support for Survivors of a Natural Disaster" The Open Family Studies Journal Vol. 8 Iss. 1 (2016) p. 3 - 13
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/marian-harris/34/