Loss of homeland: a qualitative study of the changes in perception of relocated Sichuan earthquake survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder

BACKGROUND: This research aims to explore the life experiences of relocated earthquake survivors with PTSD and develop a conceptual framework for understanding their life experiences. METHOD: Interviews were conducted with twenty-three participants. The participant selection, data collection and analysis were based on grounded theory methodology. A theoretical model called “loss of homeland” was developed. RESULTS: Loss of homeland was the most important condition that influenced the relocated participants’ self-identity, social connections, and meaning system. These aspects were categorized into existential changes, lost connections, and changes in identity. Post-disaster relocation threatens individuals’ sense of meaning, integrity of self, and sense of belonging, affects every aspect of everyday life and shatters their inner and outer harmony. CONCLUSIONS: Further research guided by this theoretical model is needed to inform post-disaster mental health services and relocation policy. Mental health professionals and policy makers can make more informed decisions in terms of disaster relocation policy and manage post-disaster psychological disturbances by focusing on both places and people.