Exploring psychological recovery and coping mechanisms: post-flood mental health and resilience of women in Punjab, Pakistan
Annotatsiya
We conducted a qualitative study to explore the often-overlooked experiences of women and their displacement following the 2022 flood catastrophe in Punjab, Pakistan. Given the region's low literacy rate, data were collected from 30 women through extensive interviews using purposive sampling to document participants' subjective evaluations. Thematic analysis revealed that the floods significantly impacted women’s mental health. Despite these challenges, they continue to live with hope. Why? Findings indicate that individual resilience, religious beliefs, and psychological strength play a crucial role in fostering positivity among flood-affected women. Conversely, formal support systems were found to hinder the pace of recovery. The primary goal of this research is to enhance the resilience of women and address mental health vulnerabilities in a male-dominated society. This study aims to contribute meaningfully to women’s literature while developing practical solutions and policies to address these issues across Pakistan.