Understanding the post disaster effects on mothers after the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Social Work at Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa, New Zealand
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Date
2017
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Massey University
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Abstract
The city of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand experienced two large
earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011. The most destructive of these
earthquakes was in February which resulted in 185 casualties. The purpose of this study was
to explore the post disaster experiences of mothers and consider factors which helped or
hindered their recovery. A qualitative study was utilised in order to understand the post
disaster experiences of mothers and their coping resources. Data was collected via semistructured
interviews with six mothers, using open-ended questions, which focused on
personal, environmental and psychological impacts of the earthquakes to understand their
experience. Topics included the immediate experience of the event, factors which impacted
on their recovery, their community experience and roles in the wider recovery effort. Data
was analysed using thematic analysis. Key findings were established from themes within the
research which underpinned experiences for mothers; these included care of children, the
importance of social networks, the role of the community and mothers’ evolving role in the
wider recovery effort. Core characteristics of resilience, such as adaptability, flexibility,
optimism and coping skills, were portrayed by participants, which became paramount in
supporting their post disaster recovery. These findings underpinned practice approaches for
social workers when working with mothers post disaster and highlighted the significance of
the social workers’ role in promoting the involvement of women within their community and
in future disaster management planning and discussions.
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Keywords
Earthquakes, Canterbury, New Zealand, Psychological aspects, Mothers, Psychology, Stress (Psychology), Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Psychology::Environmental psychology