Loss of Non-Tangible Resources and Posttraumatic Growth among Survivors of the Solai Dam Disaster, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya frequently experiences disasters that are often accompanied by profound mental health impacts. Existing literature primarily focuses on the negative psychological outcomes of such events, with limited attention to the potential for posttraumatic growth (PTG) among survivors. This study investigated PTG among survivors of the Solai dam disaster in Nakuru County, Kenya, aiming to establish the relationship between demographic characteristics, the loss of non-tangible resources, and the extent of PTG. The study targeted adult survivors from the 223 most affected households, with a purposive sample of 80 respondents. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory–Expanded (PTGI-X) and the Loss of Resources (LOR) scale, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square analysis. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data. Findings revealed that a majority of participants (83.8%) reported experiencing high levels of PTG. There was a statistically significant association between the extent of loss of non-tangible resources and the level of PTG (χ² = 31.441, p = 0.000), indicating that loss of such resources was positively associated with growth outcomes. These results underscore the importance of not only addressing trauma but also recognizing and supporting growth potential in disaster recovery. The study highlights the need for sustained mental health interventions and proposes the integration of PTG-focused strategies into psychosocial support programs for disaster survivors in Kenya.