Adult Reflections on an Adolescent Experience of a Natural Disaster: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

<p>This study investigated the experience of four senior high school students at one faith based school during and after the February 22, 2011, Christchurch New Zealand earthquake. The literature revealed that children and adolescents are impacted socially, psychologically and academically by natural disasters, and also that supportive social networks can lead to increased resilience and post-traumatic growth. Using a qualitative case study and narrative inquiry approach, participants were interviewed. Responses were analysed, coded and an earthquake impact profile (EIP) created for each participant. These profiles revealed that larger support networks mitigated severe psychological and academic impacts. Two areas barely evident in the literature that impacted the participants were participation in service activities, and comparing themselves to others. The study concludes that adolescents in their senior years of schools require a large support network, which includes service to others to help alleviate adverse psychological reactions and thus lessen academic impacts in the months and years after an earthquake.</p>