Page 121 - Creating Spiritual and Psychological Resilience

90 Creating Spiritual and Psychological Resilence

Providing Hope

As communities deal with the aftermath of a disaster, questions about the
intentions of the Deity typically arise. For example, the impact of disaster
may call into question previously held beliefs; if the Divine is benevolent
and omnipotent, how could it allow such disaster and suffering? Exploring
the meaning of suffering, or theodicy, is typically an important readjust-
ment task for survivors of disaster. In studies of trauma survivors, certain
approaches to explaining suffering have been related to poorer mental
health outcomes; specifically, viewing the disaster as spiritually endowed
punishment or a demonstration of Divine power and anger, attributing the
disaster to one’s sins, perceiving the event as a signal of the Deity’s aban-
donment of the believer, and relinquishing faith altogether (Pargament
et al., 2003). Examples of spiritual explanations that may form the basis
for hope might include perceptions of disaster as opportunities to dem-
onstrate the spiritual power to make something good out of the disaster
and viewing adversity as an opportunity for spiritual growth and a closer
relationship with the Divine. Many clergy see discussing these concerns
as an important aspect of ministry or service. Similarly, mental health
professionals as well as clergy may be open to and even encourage clients
to speak about these struggles. Many individuals are likely to need time,
support, and opportunities to talk about their efforts to make meaning of
the disaster in order to derive meanings that facilitate more posttraumatic
growth and better mental health.
In traumas and disasters, individuals and communities may be angry
at a situation that is perceived to have been unjust or avoidable. In these
situations, it is important for them to have safe groups or environments to
deal with both their anger and the physical and psychological impact of
the disaster. Some will go on to strive for positive changes, accepting the
reality of what has happened and pledging themselves in a spiritual mis-
sion to prevent or mitigate such events in the future.

Conclusion

Mental health research is identifying approaches to spirituality that can
either help or hinder psycho spiritual recovery from a disaster. Both secu-
lar and religious counselors need to be aware of the mental health implica-
tions of spiritual beliefs to assist survivors in making spiritual meanings