Echoes of the blast: A qualitative study of loss and adaptation among bereaved families of the 2020 Beirut explosion.

Abstract

On August 4, 2020, an explosion in the Beirut Port in Lebanon caused over 220 deaths and 76,000 injuries. The blast, which is considered a national tragedy, had profound impacts on Lebanese citizens, notably the traumatic loss for families who lost a loved one. This qualitative study explored the experiences of loss and adaptation among bereaved families following the Beirut Port explosion from a psychosocial perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 bereaved family members three years after the explosion. Participants reported an initial state of shock following the loss. They experienced emotional distress, including persistent sadness and anger, especially toward the political class, as well as existential concerns. Moreover, social support, religious coping, and the quest for justice were noteworthy adaptation modalities. The findings showcase the experiences and adaptation strategies of bereaved families and highlight their ongoing psychological struggles. These insights pave the way for interventions for similar events.