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Older people’s psychosocial needs in a post-disaster rural community of China: an exploratory study

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Listed:
  • Ke Cui

    (Sichuan University)

  • Timothy Sim

    (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

Older people are arguably one of the most vulnerable groups during a disaster. Existing studies either in China or in other countries predominantly focus on the more Western, pathology-based mental health approach in addressing the impact of disasters on older victims and their needs. However, the concept of ‘psychosocial’ recognises that problems caused by emergencies can simultaneously be of a social nature and a psychological one. This concept emerged from a growing critique on individual oriented mental health approach in disaster contexts. The present study was conducted to explore older people’s needs from a psychosocial perspective. The research site was a Chinese rural community located in the epicentre of ‘5.12’ Wenchuan earthquake (Ms = 8.0) occurred in 2008. The authors conducted content analyses on the qualitative in-depth interviews with 10 (5 males and 5 females) out of 30 older persons from this community. The findings revealed three major psychosocial problems: (1) constant fear of recurring debris flows; (2) sense of helplessness; and (3) disruption to previous social network. Indubitably, the participants reported family members and neighbours as their major sources of social support in emergency situations. This exploratory study argues that older people being exposed to disasters will not only develop psychological problems but also suffer disruption to their social support network and puts forward that empowering family and strengthening community cohesion are important initiatives for helping professionals to promote older people’s psychosocial well-being and enhance their resilience to natural disasters.

Suggested Citation

  • Ke Cui & Timothy Sim, 2017. "Older people’s psychosocial needs in a post-disaster rural community of China: an exploratory study," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 85(3), pages 1577-1590, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:85:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1007_s11069-016-2649-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-016-2649-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Becker, S.M., 2009. "Psychosocial care for women survivors of the tsunami disaster in India," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 99(4), pages 654-658.
    2. Shuzhen Zhu & Jie Hu & Jimmy T Efird, 2012. "Role of social support in cognitive function among elders," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 21(15‐16), pages 2118-2125, August.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Fengwan Zhang & Xueling Bao & Xin Deng & Wei Wang & Jiahao Song & Dingde Xu, 2022. "Does Trust Help to Improve Residents’ Perceptions of the Efficacy of Disaster Preparedness? Evidence from Wenchuan and Lushan Earthquakes in Sichuan Province, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-15, April.

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