Natural disasters and the relational study of the family: A 2-decade scoping review

Understanding consequences of natural disasters for family systems is of paramount importance. The aim of the current scoping review was to broadly define the content of research topics, methodological features and findings of studies published in the last 2 decades (1997–2019) examining family systems in the wake of a specific natural disaster(s) using data from more than one family member. Systematic searching of selected databases as well as handsearching were employed to identify 56 studies which met inclusion criteria for the study. All studies were about specific natural disaster events and included data from more than one family member. Studies were coded to extract several features including research questions. Study questions were then examined for methodological and topical themes. Six primary areas of topical and methodological prominence were identified including studies focused on 1) youth outcomes, 2) qualitative inquiry, 3) trauma symptoms and prevalence, 4) couples and mental health, 5) family interactions, and 6) documenting and testing of interventions for disaster affected families. Our review of these studies’ findings broadly supports the interdependence of family member experience and outcome in the wake of disaster experiences. However, further relational research is acutely needed to better establish and clarify intra-couple and family processes following disaster.