Post-Disaster Psychosocial Capacity Building for Women in a Chinese Rural Village

Citation:

Sim, Timothy, Jocelyn Lau, Ke Cui, and Hsi-Hsien Wei. 2019. "Post-Disaster Psychosocial Capacity Building for Women in a Chinese Rural Village." International Journal of Disaster Risk Science 10: 193-203.

Authors: Timothy Sim, Jocelyn Lau, Ke Cui, Hsi-Hsien Wei

Abstract:

Mental health interventions following disasters have been criticized as individualistic, incomplete, and culturally insensitive. This article showcases the effects of a culturally relevant and sustainable psychosocial capacitybuilding project at the epicenter of the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. Specifically, the project focuses on women, a group that has received limited attention in post-disaster recovery in China. This qualitative research study (N = 14) sheds light on the characteristics and processes of the implementation of a post-disaster psychosocial intervention project in rural China. In addition, by adopting the Success Case Method as an evaluation approach, this study elucidates its effects on the psychological and social changes of the disaster victims. The findings capture five aspects of psychosocial changes: enriched daily life, better mood, enhanced self-confidence, increased willingness to socialize, and the provision of mutual help. This study hopes to encourage more culturally relevant and empowering practices for women in building their psychosocial capacity after disasters.

Keywords: China, natural hazard-induced disasters, post-disaster recovery, psychosocial capacity building, success case method, women empowerment

Topics: Environment, Environmental Disasters, Gender, Women, Health, Mental Health Regions: Asia, East Asia Countries: China

Year: 2019

© 2024 CONSORTIUM ON GENDER, SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTSLEGAL STATEMENT All photographs used on this site, and any materials posted on it, are the property of their respective owners, and are used by permission. Photographs: The images used on the site may not be downloaded, used, or reproduced in any way without the permission of the owner of the image. Materials: Visitors to the site are welcome to peruse the materials posted for their own research or for educational purposes. These materials, whether the property of the Consortium or of another, may only be reproduced with the permission of the owner of the material. This website contains copyrighted materials. The Consortium believes that any use of copyrighted material on this site is both permissive and in accordance with the Fair Use doctrine of 17 U.S.C. § 107. If, however, you believe that your intellectual property rights have been violated, please contact the Consortium at info@genderandsecurity.org.