Shraddha Routray & Zoya Parwani
Affiliation: Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, Pune
Symbiosis International (Deemed University)
Correspondence: zoya.parwani@ssla.edu.in

Cite This Source

Routray, S., & Parwani, Z. (2025). Beyond the waves: Understanding PTSD in tsunami survivors from India and Thailand in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Confluence: Journal for Interdisciplinary Studies, Volume IX, 25-35.

Abstract

The paper examines the psychological impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on residents of Tamil Nadu, India, and southern Thailand. This paper analyses PTSD by comparing two key empirical studies: Risk factors of post-traumatic stress disorder in tsunami survivors of Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India (Pyari et al., 2012) and Posttraumatic mental health establishment of the tsunami survivors in Thailand (Thavichachart et al., 2009). Despite facing the same challenge, these studies found that different communities and cultures can shape the impact of PTSD.

High rates of PTSD were found in both areas (32.6% in Tamil Nadu and 33.6% in Thailand). The main factors tied to this are being female, having a low income, suffering trauma previously and experiencing bereavement. The Thai study adopted a longitudinal design with a focus on genetic predispositions and coping styles. At the same time, the Indian researchers emphasised matters such as support from services and easy access to counselling.

Both studies note that psychosocial support is crucial. In Thailand, Buddhist monasteries provided important therapy, while in India, those who received more frequent counselling and were pleased with their services experienced less risk of PTSD. Research reveals that avoidant methods and harmful behaviours, such as using drugs, lead to worsened PTSD symptoms.

The paper advocates for culturally grounded, community-based approaches to trauma recovery that consider collective trauma rather than just individual trauma. The results indicate that a multi-dimensional strategy involving social, psychological and cultural approaches should be used to help people in India and Thailand recover from disasters.

Keywords: PTSD, tsunami survivors, psychosocial support, coping strategies, gender vulnerability, disaster mental health, cultural resilience, collective trauma, community-based interventions.