A psychological wellbeing perspective of long-term disaster recovery following the Canterbury earthquakes

Abstract

This study clarifies the role of sense of place, social capital, and psychological resilience as valuable resources that can build psychological wellbeing (PWB) in long-term disaster recovery. Existing studies on disaster recovery often examine these intangible resources in isolation, without recognizing their inter-dependencies. Based on 25 in-depth interviews with residents, following the Canterbury earthquake sequence, we identify themes and visualize them through a post-disaster wheel of wellbeing (PDWWB) to highlight the need for greater recognition of PWB in the provision of tangible resources in disaster recovery. The results show that both individual (psychological resilience) and community resources (social capital) as well as an individual's sense of place provide different levers to activate in rebuilding residents' PWB (hedonic and eudaimonic aspects). For example, social capital can enhance psychological resilience and PWB while sense of place can contribute positively to social capital, psychological resilience and PWB. Thus, re-establishing sense of place and supporting social ties and networks can improve both psychological resilience and PWB post-disaster.