After the Flood: The Response of Ministers to a Natural Disaster

Abstract

In this paper, we describe the roles and stresses of ministers in responding to the November, 1985, floods in West Virginia. We present the results of follow-up interviews with ministers covering such issues as work overload, frustrations, role conflict, and stress symptoms. In particular, we explore the unique challenges ministers face in helping people to integrate the traumatic and tragic events of the disaster into the theological context of their religious beliefs.Ministers often play an important role in offering emotional support to individuals suffering a personal tragedy. When people are confronted with losses, such as death or divorce, they frequently turn to the clergy for guidance and counseling. In rural areas where mental health resources are generally scarce and underused, ministers serve a particularly vital function in helping those who have had traumatic expe¡ Although the3' are often well-trained or experienced in dealing with people coping with personal tragedies, the clergy, like other professionals, are rarely prepared for large-scale natural disasters.On November 4 and 5, 1985, a devastating flood hita 29-county atea of West Virginia, Ieaving a total of 38 persons dead and 10 missing. Ah estimated total of 4,389 homes were destroyed and another 762 were condemned. Three counties in particular, Hardy, Grant, and Pendleton, sustained heavy losses of lives and property. For example, 24 of the 38 dead and 9 of the 10 missing were from these three counties.Numerous studies have examined the traumatic effects of a natural disaster on its victims (e.g., Sowder, 1985). Only recently, however, have researchers started to study the reactions of the emergency workers who participate in the rescue, treatment, and relief efforts following a natural disaster (Hartsough, 1985).The reactions of disaster workers include physical, social, and psychological problems. They report higher incidences of physical problems, such as headaches, nausea, decreased appetite and fatigue (Mitchell, 1982). Other researchers have observed that the workers also experience social problems, such as more tensions and strains in their relationships with spouses, children, and friends (Hartsough, 1985). And psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, nightmares, intrusive memories of the disaster, difficulty concentrating, * Based on a paper presented at

Psychological First-Aid Training for Paraprofessionals: A Systems-Based Model for Enhancing Capacity of Rural Emergency Responses

“…15,16 However, FBOs rarely are incorporated into the formal preparedness planning and response operations of government, 17 nor has their potential been recognized fully as a vital, indigenous, frontline resource for trauma-specific psychological interventions. 15,16 However, FBOs rarely are incorporated into the formal preparedness planning and response operations of government, 17 nor has their potential been recognized fully as a vital, indigenous, frontline resource for trauma-specific psychological interventions.…”

“…Faith-Based Organizations— Traditionally, faith-based organizations (FBOs) have served communities admirably during and following disasters by making material resources available (e.g., food, clothing, shelter, equipment, supplies), relief personnel and by providing human services such as general fellowship, prayer leadership, and death notification 15, 16 . However, FBOs rarely are incorporated into the formal preparedness planning and response operations of government, 17 nor has their potential been recognized fully as a vital, indigenous, frontline resource for trauma-specific psychological interventions.…”

The Role of Religious Leaders in the Restoration of Hope Following Natural Disasters

“…Bradfield et al explained the challenges of offering hope by clergy members who were also victims. One individual said, "I wanted to share a sense of hope and to provide help, but I was feeling hopeless myself" (Bradfield et al, 1989). In addition, the authors mentioned that the clergy's personal stress levels might affect their ability to offer support.…”

“…For instance, Bradfield, Wylie, and Echterling (1989) found that hope is the key to recovery from natural disasters when they studied the collaborative efforts between clergy and mental health professionals after the floods in West Virginia in November 1985. However, they also mentioned that maintaining hope was not easy for all clergy because they themselves might be victims of the natural disaster.…”

4 Cultural Heritage and Community Recovery in Post-Tsunami Aceh

“…There is an established body of literature discussing faith and piety following disasters. It is a common phenomenon for people to attribute natural disasters to higher powers, and for communities to seek solace within faith (Bushnell 1969;Pargament & Hahn 1986;Ahler & Tamney 1964;Bradfield, Wylie & Echterling 1989;Smith 1978;Gist and Lubin 1999;Oliver-Smith 1996;etc.). 16.…”