PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT IN COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY COASTAL FLOODING

Abstract

Coastal flooding affects communities not just economically and physically but emotionally and psychologically as well. This research focuses on the psychological resilience of communities with repeated exposure to coastal flooding and applies a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data was obtained through a context-adapted resilience scale while qualitative data was obtained through interviews focusing on lived experiences and coping strategies. Results indicated resilience scores showed a pronounced difference with age, sex, housing stability, and access to flood preparedness and mitigation resources. Increased resilience was consistently linked to robust social networks, prior flood experience, and stable housing situations. The study also found recurrent challenges of emotional fatigue and a pervasive sense of distrust towards outside support. Utilizing both statistical data and community narratives, this research created a localized model for understanding resilience in the context of gradual onset environmental disasters. The primary goal is to support the development of policies, psychosocial interventions, and future resilience evaluations in the context of vulnerable coastal communities.