Children survivors of the 2004 tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia - A study of resiliency

This exploratory study investigates factors contributing to resiliency of children in the age group of 11-15 years, survivors of the 2004 tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia, through qualitative methodology. Series of participative observation and interviews with children, parents, and local social workers were conducted. A group of 50 children from three camps of the tsunami-affected areas in Banda Aceh and Great Aceh were involved and observed through several psychosocial activities conducted in coordination with local social workers in the community. Resilient children were identified based on criteria that were developed from the context of the tsunami-affected children in Banda Aceh and Great Aceh. Six children were identified as resilient. They show absence of clinically significant levels of trauma-related symptoms as measured by Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children-A (TSCC-A). They are able to live normally, such as participate in school activities, play with friends, perform daily chores, be involved in religious activities, and develop healthy relationships with caregivers and peers. They are also perceived as cooperative in psychosocial activities. Findings in internal protective factors of these children include: strong internal motivation to recover, good heart, open to other people, high motivation to bond to religiosity, self-responsible, sense of humor, and easygoing. Contributing external factors include: support from significant others, able to do religious practice routinely, able to learn traditional dance in groups, have opportunities to be involved in structured play/psychosocial activities, and have access to natural resources for recreation, such as a river.