Published By: Taylor & Francis
Contributors: Rebecca J. W. Cline
Social Support Functions During a Slowly-Evolving Environmental Disaster: The Case of Amphibole Asbestos Exposure in Libby, Montana
ABSTRACT
Previous research concluded that victims of rapid-onset natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes) receive and provide high levels of instrumental support. However, different kinds of disasters (natural or human caused [technological, environmental, intentional/terrorism], rapid or slow onset, short or long duration) may create different stressors and thus influence the types of social support most needed and provided. We explored social support functions during an ongoing “slowly-evolving environmental disaster” in Libby, Montana due to widespread exposure to amphibole asbestos. Analyses of focus groups and in-depth interviews focused on the relative salience of support functions (emotional, informational, instrumental, and spiritual) identified as needed or provided. Dominant themes emerged around each function. Results indicated that informational support is particularly salient in this type of disaster. Although not all community members had experienced the disaster’s health consequences (asbestos-related disease [ARD]), all had been affected by the disaster and had informational needs. The nature of those informational needs (e.g., medical vs. financial) varied based on experience with ARD. Experience with ARD was associated with awareness of disaster-related emotional and instrumental support needed or provided. Results have implications for future research on slowly-evolving environmental disasters and institutional and community responses to them.
AUTHORS
Rebecca J. W. Cline
School of Communication Studies, Kent State University
Heather Orom
Department of Community Health and Health Behavior, State University of New York, University at Buffalo
Jeffrey T. Child
School of Communication Studies, Kent State University
Tanis Hernandez
Center for Asbestos Related Disease
Brad Black
Center for Asbestos Related Disease