Post-Traumatic Growth 2.5 Years after the 2011 Joplin, Missouri Tornado

Background: Major disasters (e.g. tornados, earthquakes, hurricanes, oil spills) are considered traumatic events that usually occur suddenly and cause extensive damage to large numbers of people. While research on the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress reactions (PTS) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of a disaster is extensive, a paucity of research has examined the factors that contribute to posttraumatic growth (PTG) after disaster. Identifying and then fostering factors that contribute to long-term growth among individuals exposed to a major disaster provides a potential target area for social work efforts.

Methods: 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, posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, communication with family, friends, and neighbors, and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Prevalence of PTG was calculated using descriptive statistics. Research questions and hypotheses were analyzed using three hierarchical multiple regressions. The first two regression models examined the effect of sociodemographic variables (gender, age, education) and tornado experience and PTS reactions on family/friend and neighbor tornado communication. The final hierarchical multiple regression model examined the effects of sociodemographic variables, tornado experiences and PTS reactions, and family/friend and neighbor tornado communication on PTG.

Results: The majority of participants were female (68.72%) and Caucasian (94%). Prevalence of reported PTG was 34.7%. The PTG regression model was found to be statistically significant, F(7, 402) = 13.61, p < .001, R² = .19. Results indicate that females reported more PTG than males (β = .17, p < .001) and that more tornado exposure (β = .17, p = .001) and tornado PTS symptoms (β = .15, p = .004) were related to more PTG. In addition, results also indicate that engaging in more communication about the tornado with family and friends (β = .12, p = .039), along with neighbors (β = .14, p = .017) was related to more perceived PTG.

Conclusion and Implications: This study investigated individuals’ experience of transformative growth, 2.5 years after experiencing a major disaster. Ultimately, survivors who have experienced disaster trauma and its negative consequences have the potential to experience positive changes or growth. Implications for social work practice in long-term post-disaster communities include building upon areas of growth and promoting positive interpersonal connections among survivors.