Psychosocial Recovery for Children Disabled in an Earthquake: School Social Work in Dujiangyan, China

Abstract

In the Sichuan earthquake on May 12, 2008, schools were hardest hit. The School Social Work service at the You Ai School of Dujiangyan became a major factor in assisting 140 children, disabled in the disaster, in their psychosocial recovery. This article aims to identify indicators of recovery for children from early primary to junior high. Content analysis is used instead of a lengthy psychological scale, as the latter might not be applicable for young children. Results show that disabled children are capable of recovery 3 years after the disaster. Effects of social work intervention and inclusive education have yet to be studied.

KEYWORDS:

• children's resilience
• disaster management
• inclusive education
• mental health
• positive psychology
• psychological recovery
• school social work
• social recovery

Notes

Note. N = 45.