Understanding identity transformation after significant involuntary loss: recovery strategies, self-concepts and the role of possessions in a post-disaster context

The aim of this research was to extend the current understanding of how survivors of natural disasters recover their self-identity. The secondary aim was to determine the roles that possessions play in restoring self-identity. To this end, a qualitative inquiry was conducted with Sri Lankan survivors of the Asian Tsunami. Findings reveal that different aspects of one’s ‘self’ are affected by losses, and survivors adopt several strategies to transform their self-identity. Possessions were found to play pivotal roles in identity transformation. The study informs those involved in disaster recovery support activities of how to effectively help survivors recover more fully in future.