Psychosocial recovery of earthquake victims: A case study of 2015 Gorkha earthquake

Abstract

Abstract Disaster impacts the affected population both physically and psychosocially. Due to an overemphasis on rehabilitation and response to the physical damages, the psychosocial impacts are neglected in most disaster scenarios. This study analyzes the experiences from the Gorkha earthquake of 2015 in Nepal, and its adverse psychosocial impacts among the affected population. The main objectives of the study were (1) to investigate the factors affecting psychosocial health; (2) to find its impact on the people s work; (3) to explore the traumatic experiences and insecurities faced by the victims; and (4) to study the pre-existing social problems. Using a conceptual framework, the study followed a mixed-methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative tools for data collection and analysis. The major findings involve the negative impacts upon the social setup and mental health in Nepal, including higher suicide rates, physical abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), aggression among the males, and uncertainty. The absence of government support and assistance enhanced the overall psychosocial impact on the affected population.