The Voice of Victims: Positive Response to a Natural Disaster Crisis

Abstract

In the current study the authors investigate victims' response to a natural disaster crisis event. Crisis communication research has often considered organizations, but neglected the voice of the victims. Similarly, most crisis research emphasizes the negative outcomes of crisis. Positive communication research and sensemaking theory provide insight into the experiences of crisis victims. Twenty-nine individuals were interviewed from one community in Western Kentucky following a massive ice storm that occurred during January 2009. The remembering emphasis of sensemaking was salient in this study. Victims remembered their overall experience through positive terms and positive interpersonal communication. Communities and organizations alike can use this research to consider how their members may respond to crises and create messages based on these results.

Keywords:

• Crisis
• Ice Storms
• Natural Disasters
• Positive Communication
• Sensemaking

Acknowledgments

A version of this article was presented to the National Communication Association in San Francisco, CA, November 2010.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frances L. M. Smith

Frances L. M. Smith (PhD, University of Missouri, 2008) is an Assistant Professor at Murray State University, 312 Wilson Hall, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071.

Tina A. Coffelt

Tina A. Coffelt (PhD, University of Missouri, 2008) is an Assistant Professor at lowa State University.

April P. Rives

April P. Rives is a doctoral student at Regent University.

Michael Sollitto

Michael Sollitto is a doctoral student at West Virginia University.