Factors Related to Personal Resilience Scale of Local Residents: Experiences of Long-term Evacuation from Natural Disasters

The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with personal resilience to natural disasters and to identify strategies for providing support in local communities. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to residents who were still living as long-term evacuees eight years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. The questionnaire includes items assessing personal resilience. A total of 201 valid responses were subjected to analysis. The results of multiple regression analysis indicated that the Sence of Coherence (β = 0.422), Mental Resilience (β = 0.331), Mental Health K6 (β = -0.185), and Community Acceptance (β = 0.124) were significantly associated with the personal resilience to natural disasters PRS scale scores. The findings indicated that enhancing resilience to natural disasters necessitates a dual approach, encompassing both practical measures that impart tangible knowledge and information to assist individuals in navigating the multifaceted stressors associated with disasters, and emotional coping strategies that demonstrate empathy for their challenging experiences.