Title

Post-traumatic growth 2.5 years after the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado

Authors

Jennifer M. First PhD, University of Southern Maine
Nathan First, University of Missouri
Jordan Stevens, University of Missouri
Vicky Mieseler, Ozark Center
J. Brian Houston PhD, University of Missouri

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2018

Publication Title

Journal of Family Social Work

Keywords

Posttraumatic growth, disaster, interpersonal communication, social work

Abstract

In 2011 a major tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, killing 158 and injuring 1,150 individuals. Approximately 2.5 years after this disaster, an online survey of Joplin adult residents (N = 438) was conducted to examine the relationship between disaster experience, post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, communication with family, friends, and neighbors, and post-traumatic growth (PTG). Results indicate that more tornado exposure and tornado PTS symptoms were related to more PTG. In addition, engaging in more communication about the tornado with family, friends, and neighbors was related to more perceived PTG. Implications for social work practice in long-term post-disaster communities include building upon areas of growth and promoting positive interpersonal connections among survivors.

Recommended Citation

First, J., First, N.L., Stevens, J., Mieseler, V.L., & Houston, J.B. (2017). Post-traumatic growth 2.5 years after the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornado. Journal of Family Social Work. 21(1), 5-21. DOI: 10.1080/10522158.2017.1402529.