Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Natural Disasters:

Abstract #151
Bounce Back and Stand Firm: A Trifocal Analysis of Resiliency, Motivation, Life Satisfaction, and Meaning in Life of Typhoon Yolanda Survivors
Presenter: Violeta Andaleon
Abstract:
Life is full of difficulties and challenges. No matter how difficult and challenging life is, one must search for meaning in life and be satisfied with what life can bring.  The people from Tacloban, Leyte, Philippins encountered the most challenging situation, one of which was the outbreak of Typhoon Yolanda (also known as Typhoon Haiyan). This resulted to a harrowing devastation witnessing the community destruction, human suffering and even death.  How can we continuously help those who survived from this calamity?  Hence, the researcher volunteered to be one with the institution that provide programs for the recovery and rehabilitation for the Tacloban survivors. This research is a phenomenological study utilizing a triangulation or mixed method in order to determine and measure the level/degree of resiliency, motivation, life satisfaction, and meaning in life of the Tacloban Survivors in Leyte, Philippines after the outbreak of Typhoon Yolanda. The qualitative method will be a trifocal analysis of the data and further be utilized to describe the outcome of the interviews and questionnaires conducted to the respondents. On the other hand, quantitative method will be anchored from a descriptive–correlation design and used for the results of the standardized tests to measure the variables.  For the younger survivors, a drawing test will be used as a form of art therapy primarily aimed for clinical intervention.

Abstract #185
Resiliency of Acehnese Children After the 2004 Tsunami: Risk and Protective Factors From Their Bio-Ecological Systems
Presenter: Yohana Hestyanti
Abstract:
We studied the resilience of Acehnese children, survivors of the 2004 tsunami, by looking at their individual characteristics as well as the ethnographic aspects of the Acehnese society in which they lived. The children’s level of functioning (N=22) was assessed before, immediately after, and one year after the tsunami, by in-depth interviews of well-informed and close adults (e.g., surviving parent, teachers, village-elders) and by careful observations. We found that: 1. The emotional wellbeing of the primary caregiver was of vital importance: children with depressed, abusive and/or aloof parents/caregivers were likely to show a negative pattern of adaptation, whereas children with a strong and warm relationship with a caregiver who was not depressed and who encouraged them to express their emotions showed a positive pattern of adaptation.  2. Psychosocial and religious activities were important too: frequent participation of children in such activities proved to be protective.  3. Irritability was an internal risk factor in children, and, if combined with parental and neighbour’s threat, became a strong predictor of vulnerability. We conclude that children without pre-existing internal problems can recover remarkably well from considerable hardship, if they receive good parental support and participate in activities that enable pleasurable social interaction frequently.

Abstract #218
Natural Disasters, Community Resilience, and Children’s Wellbeing: The Case of Novi di Modena, Emilia Romagna, Italy
Presenter: Stefania Maggi Co - Presenters: Cinzia Albanesi, Valentina Marchesi, Claudia Rocca, Laura Borghi, Chiara Reali, Maria Augusta Nicoli 
Abstract:
On May 20-29 2012 a violent earthquake struck several communities of the Emilia Romagna Region. Many villages were destroyed and thousands of people lost their home and livelihood. To the day, villages are being rebuilt and the local economy is still struggling to recover from the disaster. This presentation offers an account of: 1) how the citizen and service providers of Novi di Modena mobilized to face the disaster right after the earthquake and in the subsequent years; 2) how preschools integrated elements in their curriculum to support young children as they dealt with loss and destruction; and 3) the impact of the earthquake and the community initiatives post-earthquake on preschool children. A mixed-methods approach was used to conduct this study, which included focus groups and interviews with service providers representing different sectors (e.g., health, education, social), and the administration of the Early Development Instrument (Italian version) to a representative sample of 5 years old children one year after the earthquake, and again two years after the event. Implications for community resilience are discussed.