| Survivor humor is the you-had-to-be-there style of humor that is actively produced by disaster survivors. It is a coping and hoping strategy that laughs with, not at, the survivors. This positive adaptive response to disaster makes fun of the situation, relieves stress, boosts morale, and promotes social bonding.;This qualitative study explored survivor humor among the population of Kauai during one year of recovery following a major natural disaster. Hurricane Iniki, a 1992 Category IV hurricane, caused widespread devastation and affected everyone on this rural Hawaiian island. A conceptual framework of phase-specific survivor humor, built on the four emotional phases of disasters (Farberow & Frederick, 1978), was developed and is presented. Phase-specific cartoons based on survivor humor in Kauai were produced during the research and show potential as disaster training tools. Findings suggest that the prevalence of survivor humor in a disaster situation may be one indicator of the preexisting health status of an impacted community. Investigation revealed that communal activities, entertainment, recreation, and the arts served as catalysts for survivor humor on Kauai. These activities have implications for innovative and culture-appropriate mental health services in disasters.;Case study and participant observation research methodologies were adapted to the chaotic setting of a major disaster and the spontaneous nature of humor. A non-invasive method of recording survivor humor in cartoon format evolved. Results are presented of content analysis performed to categorize 52 cartoons and collected survivor humor data in phase classifications.;The Iniki survivors on Kauai demonstrated a healthy community response to disaster, despite living in a disrupted physical and social environment. Survivor humor was pervasive throughout disaster recovery and often emerged from communal activities. Iniki survivors demonstrated a pro-active, positive adaptive response to their disaster situation. They overcame logistical and bureaucratic obstacles to create ad hoc entertainment and social activities, which they considered essential to maintain a sense of communality and provide community respite.;Basic survival needs are met rapidly in United States major natural disaster situations. This study suggests that disaster recovery plans consider the importance of meeting a higher level of needs perceived as essential by the impacted community. |
