A Safe Home? A Qualitative Study into the Experiences of Adolescents Growing Up in the Dutch Area Impacted by Earthquakes Induced by Gas Extraction

Abstract

For decades, the Netherlands has experienced minor earthquakes due to gas extraction. This study aims to obtain insight into the experiences of adolescents and the impact of these earthquakes on their well-being and living environment. Focus groups were held with 24 adolescents, and interviews were held with 3 adolescents (N = 27; M = 15 years). Through qualitative analysis, we identified six themes. The adolescents shared experiences of anxiety related to the earthquakes and their consequences and considered these to be a normal part of their life. Anxiety and feelings of endangerment not only related to their own experiences but were also connected to the impact of earthquakes on their social environment, such as the restoration of buildings. Several sources of support (e.g., talking, social cohesion) were mentioned to deal with the negative consequences of the earthquakes. A lack of trust in the government was an additional main theme, with adolescents mentioning several needs, potentially relevant to policymakers in the Netherlands. Growing up in the gas extraction area of Groningen had many consequences on the adolescents in the study, who felt inhibited from expressing feelings of anxiety and fear. To support their needs, interventions at the individual, family, educational, societal, and policy levels are recommended.

Experiences of adolescents affected by earthquakes: A qualitative study

“…In our study, participants faced difficulties in meeting basic needs such as shelter, heating, bathing, food, and drink after the earthquake. Literature also supports similar results (Newnham et al, 2019; Pine et al, 2015; Zijlstra et al, 2022). Communication breakdowns and deficiencies in coordination in the early days of the earthquake led to problems in meeting basic needs.…”

“…The third theme of our study, focusing on adaptation to the new life, consists of two categories: “facilitating factors” and “hindering factors.” Adolescents in our study expressed that assistance provided by the government and nongovernmental organizations, diverting their thoughts from the earthquake, changing their perspectives, and peer support facilitated their coping with this process. Research indicates that meeting adolescents' needs, returning to their accustomed routine as early as possible (Zijlstra et al, 2022), acceptance, emotional expression, and cognitive change buffer the psychological impact of disasters on young individuals, easing their adaptation to the new situation (Pfefferbaum, Jacobs, Houston, et al, 2015). McDonald‐Harker et al (2021), in their study on factors influencing adolescents' resilience after a flood disaster, demonstrated that despite facing numerous challenges during and after the flood, adolescents exhibited above‐average resilience levels.…”

“…In line with our phenomenological research design (Reiners, 2012) and literature review (e.g., Zijlstra et al, 2022) a semistructured interview format was employed as the data collection tool, comprising two initial open‐ended questions: How were you affected by the earthquake? What are your experiences during this process? How are you trying to cope with this situation?…”

“…In line with our phenomenological research design (Reiners, 2012) and literature review (e.g., Zijlstra et al, 2022) a semistructured interview format was employed as the data collection tool, compris-…”

“…Adolescents in our study expressed that assistance provided by the government and nongovernmental organizations, diverting their thoughts from the earthquake, changing their perspectives, and peer support facilitated their coping with this process. Research indicates that meeting adolescents' needs, returning to their accustomed routine as early as possible (Zijlstra et al, 2022), acceptance, emotional expression, and cognitive change buffer the psychological impact of disasters on young individuals, easing their adaptation to the new situation . during earthquakes and witnessed traumatic events during the disaster are more likely to have symptoms of PTSD compared to those who did not lose loved ones and did not witness traumatic events (Newnham et al, 2019;Xiao et al, 2019).…”