Qualitative research on the psychological state of Japanese junior high school students who had experienced a disaster

Abstract

The present study analyzed compositions written by 242 junior high school students about their feelings and thoughts 1 month after they had experienced the 2004 Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake, in order to describe the students psychological state. The analysis was done using a modified grounded theory approach. From the analysis, 56 concepts were extracted and organized into 32 categories, which were further summarized into 5 groups. The results revealed that the students feelings of uneasiness were ameliorated by being with their family and friends. This suggests that schools should reopen as soon as possible after a disaster, because they are a place where students can receive psychological support. The students viewed their circumstances calmly. A typical coping strategy was the thought, "I am still better off than other people." In addition, the students expressed their hope that their community would soon recover.