Resilience in the aftermath of a technological disaster: A community-based mixed methods research study

This study tests a disaster model of resilience in the aftermath of a natural gas pipeline explosion. This technological disaster occurred in a residential neighborhood in the Western United States. Traditionally, disaster literature has focused on the negative impacts of disasters, emphasizing distress and psychopathology; however, there has been a shift towards exploring protective factors that prevent psychopathology. The present study, guided by Community-Based Participatory Research, expands our understanding of disaster resilience. A mixed methods design was employed using a quantitative survey of 146 participants to test a model of resilience and qualitative open-ended questions to explore methods of coping and resilience. The model examined coping styles (seeking support, positive reappraisal, and problem-solving) as pathways to resilience and the indirect effects of coping and resilience on resource loss and psychological distress. Path results found seeking support and positive reappraisal positively predicted resilience. In addition, an indirect path was found from resource loss to psychological distress through seeking support and positive reappraisal and resilience. Qualitative themes highlighted additional methods of resilience not captured quantitatively, including a focus on faith, seeking professional assistance, and perseverance. These research findings highlight that resilience can emerge even after tragedy.