Trauma following Hurricanes Maria and Michael: Complicated roles of hazard-related factors, negative coping strategies, and positive character strengths

Abstract

BackgroundNatural disasters are traumatizing to victims. Past research has investigated negative (e.g., stress) and positive (e.g., growth) following natural disasters, but few studies have explored the complex relationships between factors leading to both types of outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine factors predicting posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) in survivors of Hurricanes Maria and Michael, both of which struck Florida in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Specifically, we investigated how hazard-specific factors, coping strategies, and character strengths were related to PTSS, PTG, or both. MethodsAn online survey was conducted six to 14 months after the hurricanes among survivors (N ​= ​566). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted with variables entered systematically. ResultsSurvivors were more likely to report current PTSS if they (1) experienced more peritraumatic negative emotions, hazard-related stressors, or a past trauma; (2) employed negative coping strategies employed following the storms; and (3) reported low trait optimism or high trait altruism. Current PTG was associated with younger age, length of time following the hazard, more peritraumatic positive emotions and stressors, use of self-distraction and denial for coping, and higher trait optimism. ConclusionsResults indicate that optimism may be protective and beneficial for disaster survivors, but that altruism's role may be more complex than expected. The evidence connecting duration since the storms and PTG and PTSD suggests that the meaning-seeking struggle toward growth takes more time, though time helps healing. The findings provide guidance for subsequent prospective studies designed to improve clinical services and disaster relief.