Citation

Itzhaky H, Kissil K, Weiss-Dagan S. J. Trauma. Stress 2016; 29(6): 522-529.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jts.22136

PMID

27813181

Abstract

There is a scarcity of research exploring the experiences of foreign travelers exposed to natural disasters while abroad. This qualitative study explored the experiences of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal among international travelers immediately following the earthquake. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 Israeli backpackers who were traveling in Nepal at the time of the earthquake. Thematic analysis revealed 4 themes: emotional turmoil, quick recovery, springing into action, and connection to the army.

FINDINGS suggest that foreign travelers initially respond with emotional turmoil to the disaster. Then they actively search for ways to effectively cope with the situation by problem solving, creating a community of action and support, and searching their own history for similar circumstances that can provide a sense of competence or clear directions for coping. Implications and limitations of the study, as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

Copyright © 2016 International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Language: en