Spirituality as a tool for victim recovery

Spirituality, which advocates non-material values, plays an important role in a victim’s recovery. Having a faith can help survivors more than non-believers. Many studies have explored the role of religion in coping capacity. For example, a longitudinal study of 135 individuals who were grieving a death or trauma found that the strength of spiritual belief was an independently significant predictor of the symptoms of grief.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Worldviews, Norms/values

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action