POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH AMONG TSUNAMI SURVIVORS: THE IMPACT OF PROBLEM-FOCUSED COPING ON LONG-TERM RECOVERY

Siti Hajar Sri Hidayati; Muhana Sofiati Utami

doi:10.22373/al-ijtimaiyyah.v11i1.29509

POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH AMONG TSUNAMI SURVIVORS: THE IMPACT OF PROBLEM-FOCUSED COPING ON LONG-TERM RECOVERY

Siti Hajar Sri Hidayati, Muhana Sofiati Utami

Abstract

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused catastrophic damage in Aceh-Indonesia, leaving profound psychological impacts on survivors. This study examines the long-term role of problem-focused coping in predicting post-traumatic growth (PTG) among 145 adult survivors who lost close family members. Using the Post-Traumatic Growth Scale and the Problem-Focused Coping Scale, the results show that problem-focused coping significantly predicts PTG, accounting for 52.34% of the variance (p < 0.001). Survivors who employed active, constructive coping strategies displayed greater growth, meaning-making, and personal development nearly two decades after the trauma. These findings underscore the enduring significance of adaptive coping and the importance of incorporating culturally grounded values into post-disaster mental health interventions.

Keywords

Post-Traumatic Growth; Problem-Focused Coping; Disaster Survivor

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22373/al-ijtimaiyyah.v11i1.29509