Psychosocial Impacts of Natural Disasters on Families and the Role of Churches in Building Resilience in Chikwawa District, Malawi: A Qualitative Needs Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/japsy.3932Keywords:
Mental Health Literacy; Family Resilience; Natural Disasters; Chikwawa District; MHPSS–DRR Integration.Abstract
Purpose: To explore the psychosocial impacts of recurrent natural disasters on families in Chikwawa District, examine the role of churches in providing psychosocial support, and identify barriers and enablers of family resilience.
Methodology: A qualitative, participatory needs assessment was conducted with 52 participants representing affected families, community leaders, pastors, hospital workers, and disaster recovery personnel. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and field notes, which were analysed thematically through the lens of Walsh’s Family Resilience Framework, the Social Ecological Model, and trauma-informed care.
Findings: Families reported pervasive emotional distress, trauma, hopelessness, and loss of livelihood, with children, people with disabilities, and single-parent households disproportionately affected. Churches emerged as the most trusted support structures, providing spiritual and social support, but were constrained by low mental health literacy, a lack of referral pathways, and scarce resources. Consensus was reached on six core themes, including the need for integrated spiritual and psychosocial interventions.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study provides localised empirical evidence from Malawi demonstrating that practical integration of mental health and psychosocial support into disaster risk reduction is both feasible and urgent. Expands existing literature by conceptualising churches not merely as informal, temporary emergency shelters, but as permanent, resilient structures capable of sustained formal partnership.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Bryce Joyex Maigwa, Proffesor Edwin Zulu
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