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The International Journal of Ecopsychology (IJE)

Abstract

This paper explores humanitarian natural disaster response and recovery through an ecopsychological lens. The author proposes an ecopsychological approach to humanitarian natural disaster response and recovery to (that?) addresses structural and personnel challenges typical of mainstream humanitarian disaster response. Three main threads inform this proposed ecopsychological natural disaster framework. First, exploreing the roots of colonization in disaster contexts and offering different ways of knowing through Indigenous perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge. Second, examineing grief experienced by humanitarian workers. Third, offering ecopsychological tools and healing modalities to support healing and resiliency for humanitarian workers and communities on the frontlines of natural disaster. Additionally, key transpersonal psychology(?) and ecopsychological concepts are introduced as integral components to the new ecopsychological humanitarian natural disaster approach. A qualitative research study incorporating structured oral interviews was conducted by interviewing professionals with direct experience working in the humanitarian natural disaster response and recovery field.

Qualitative data analysis indicated that all research study participants stated that they did not receive significant emotional support during and after their disaster activation, and agreed that the lack of support negatively impacted their resiliency and emotional well-being. Data analysis indicated unanimous agreement that the field of humanitarian disaster response and recovery must evolve and improve to incorporate mental health, emotional support, and well-being tools for the professionals.

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