Post-Traumatic Growth and Ease Following a Trauma Cluster of Hurricane Dorian and the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic in the Bahamas.

Abstract

A trauma cluster occurs when two or more natural disasters are experienced simultaneously or consecutively within a short timeframe. With the predicted increase in the frequency and severity of such events, the risk of experiencing trauma clusters is expected to rise, posing significant threats to public health and safety. While the focus of disaster research traditionally centers on negative psychological outcomes, such experiences can also lead to positive effects such as post-traumatic growth and ease. As such, this study aimed to assess the levels of post-traumatic growth and ease, and their relationship, among Bahamians who experienced the trauma cluster of Hurricane Dorian and the coronavirus disease pandemic. Nearly 4 years after the trauma cluster event began, 208 participants completed an online survey including a sociodemographic form, the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, and Ease Measure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation. Results revealed a broad range of individual post-traumatic growth and ease scores, with a significant positive correlation between overall post-traumatic growth and ease levels. The findings suggest that individuals can respond to adversity in positive ways across various aspects of life. The knowledge gained can inform holistic nursing interventions to support disaster survivors.