Post-Traumatic Growth in Survivors of the 2013 EF-4 Central Illinois Tornado: A Qualitative, Phenomenological Study
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Authors
Markum, Teresa
Issue Date
2025-10
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Trauma Tornado , PTG
Alternative Title
Abstract
With natural disasters increasing in frequency and severity, understanding the impact on mental health is crucial. For those who experience tornados, the most common and most damaging type of storms in the US, the psychological impact can be devastating and long-lasting. However, it can also provide opportunities for post-traumatic growth (PTG) which is what this study has explored. With a qualitative, phenomenological design, six survivors of the 2013 EF-4 central Illinois tornado were interviewed using a semi-structured format to examine their subjective experiences of the tornado and the resulting PTG. The study was conducted more than ten years after the event. Tedeschi and Calhoun’s Five Factor theory of PTG was the framework for the study. The results supported this PTG theory with participants reporting experiences reflective of the five domains. Five of the six participants experienced PTG with the sixth participant experiencing positive change, but not actual PTG. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyze the data. From a societal standpoint, as climate change continues to be a growing concern with storms becoming increasingly severe, understanding the impact on mental health is vital. Mental health professionals need to understand the trauma of surviving a natural disaster such as a tornado and be prepared to help support recovery and the potential of PTG.