The Role of Religious Leaders in the Restoration of Hope Following Natural Disasters

Abstract

For mental health professionals who are social workers and counselors, the role of clergy is sometimes a missing link. Both the United States and Japan have suffered multiple natural disasters since the 21st century began: Hurricanes Sandy (2012) and Katrina (2005) in the United States and an 8.9 magnitude earthquake (2011) occurred in Japan. Immediately after these devastating natural disasters, victims needed shelter, water, food, and blankets. However, 2 to 3 weeks after the disasters, they needed mental health support more than material supplies as they cope with the after effects of trauma. Hope might be important for natural disaster relief in the long term. A lack of support might contribute to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The investigators hypothesized that religious belief would reduce the natural disaster victims’ PTSD symptoms. In May and June 2013, they sent 500 mailing surveys to Christian and Buddhist clergy in the New Orleans, New York, Tokyo, and Fukushima areas. They asked what these areas did for natural disaster relief. They found cultural differences between the two religious communities: (a) More American Christian clergies thought natural disaster relief efforts are their obligation. (b) American clergies focus more on “comfort,” “reducing pain,” and “hope,” whereas Japanese clergies focus more on “listening” and “praying” when they talk with family members who lost their loved ones.