The Spiritual Dimensions of Caring for People Affected by Disasters

Spirituality, Humor, and Resilience After Natural and Technological Disasters

“…McCombs () has made the point that distinguishing between spiritual and psychological coping responses is an important challenge for counselors, among other disaster relief personnel and mental health practitioners. From a conceptual vantage point, our findings attest to spiritual support and humor as coping responses independently associated with resilience in the years after multiple exposure to disasters.…”

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

“…According to McCombs's (2010) framework, religious communities that endured a serious natural disaster would face conflict. Based on two contradictory values, (a) natural disasters might be interpreted as Acts of God, and (b) survivors who have struggled with PTSD would be rescued by Acts of God.…”

“…Stories, rituals, ceremonies, and religion can reduce psychological pain when survivors feel guilty about loved ones who lost their lives in natural disasters by reducing survivors' guilt and increasing their hope (McCombs, 2010). In PTSD, the acceptance of a spiritual power may lead to a spiritual awakening which, in turn, can assuage survivor guilt (Connor et al, 2003;Khouzan & Kissmeyer, 1997).…”

“…Based on two contradictory values, (a) natural disasters might be interpreted as Acts of God, and (b) survivors who have struggled with PTSD would be rescued by Acts of God. McCombs did not say survivors who have struggled with PTSD would be rescued by Acts of God; however, McCombs (2010) implied that spiritual resources would reduce survivors' pain and said, "It (research) overlooks important spiritual resources such as stories, rituals, and communities to alleviate suffering" (p. 131). Furthermore, Connor, Davidson, and Lee (2003) posited that religion may buffer the effect of violent trauma.…”

“…For example, McCombs (2010) referred to the correlation between maintaining hope and the role of clergy and said, "When spirituality is affirmed in counseling, clients are empowered to draw on their spiritual resources to regain hope and reconnect" (p. 131). McCombs further stated that "the underlying premise in attending to spiritual issues is the clients' hope" (p. 131).…”