Communication Style and Psychological Well-Being Among Flood Victim in Malaysia

Abstract

While most people who are involved in disaster recover with the support of their families, friends and colleagues, the effect on some people health, relationships and welfare can be extensive and sustained. Flooding can pose substantial social and mental problems that may continue over extended periods of time. Flooding can challenge the psychosocial resilience of the hardiest of people who are affected. Communication skills used in managing disaster to provide emotional support, provide information, giving hope to the victim and help them to cope with anxiety. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perception toward communication style practiced by relief workers and psychological well-being. This study was carried out among flood victim in Malaysia. The participants were asked to complete communication style and psychological well-being inventory. Data was analysed using of Pearson correlation coefficient. The result showed that communication style and psychological well-being were significantly related. This study provides theoretical contributions to organizational communication research and the literature on disaster management context. On the other hand, the findings provide support for the effects of relationships between communication style and well-being of flood victims.