“Come What May”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Disaster Survivors’ Resilience and Meaning-Making of Fatalism

Background: While psychological resilience has been established as a protective factor in the field of disaster research, a gap in the literature presents a line of inquiry on the resilience of disaster survivors and the implications of ‘bahala na’ (fatalism) in the context of the Philippines. Purpose: The study aimed to examine the lived experiences of Filipino disaster survivors with high resilience in the lower income classes. Methods: Narrative data gathered from six participants were analyzed through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), supporting previous research indicating higher vulnerability to disaster impacts and health hazards among individuals living in disaster-prone areas. Results: The findings revealed five modules of the Katatagan model that were reflected in the responses of Filipino disaster survivors: Kalakasan (finding and cultivating strengths), Kalooban (managing thoughts and emotions), Kinabukasan (moving forward), Kapaki-pakinabang na Gawain (positive activities), and Kalutasan at Kaagapay (seeking solutions and support). The emergent themes of the study also showed the meaning-making processes and resilience strategies utilized by Filipino disaster survivors to recover and bounce back stronger from adversity. Participant responses indicating implorations of ‘bahala na’ suggested a positive connotation towards faithful optimism in the face of uncertainty rather than fatalistic resignation. Conclusion: From these findings, the study recommends further investigation of resilience strategies in managing physiological reactions following a disaster, and the development of an assessment tool for ‘bahala na’ with regards to disaster-related psychological resilience. The practical implications of the study suggest improvements in culturally-specific interventions and resilience programs to be aligned with better needs assessment procedures for individuals affected by natural disasters.