Changes in Family Functioning in the Aftermath of a Natural Disaster: The 2004 Tsunami in Southeast Asia

Abstract

This study examines parents' perceptions of how the 2004 SouthEast Asia tsunami has affected themselves and their families. The families were all on vacation in an area affected by the tsunami. Parents traveling with children aged 6–18 were first interviewed approximately 10 months after the tsunami and again 2.5 years after. The results indicate that experiencing the tsunami influenced family relations (sense of cohesion was strengthened many families, and family members showed each other increased care), family values (families had become less materialistic and were more oriented toward enhancing human relations), and daily routines and activities (families made practical changes in their daily lives to accommodate the needs of individual family members after the tsunami). A few parents experienced an elevation of conflict, indicating the importance of communicating about the experience. For the most part, these changes remained stable at 2.5 years.