Dr Lauren Kosta

Graduated in 2019

Project Description

In the aftermath of disasters, parenting is often recognised for its influence on children’s wellbeing and recovery. Research has also shown that the parental role has implications for parents’ post-disaster mental health as well. However, little is known about what the experience is like for parents themselves, particularly in Australia. In February 2009, catastrophic bushfires burned across the state of Victoria resulting in tragic loss of life, significant destruction of property and land, and disruption to communities. This study explored what it has been like to be a parent since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 parents (19 mothers, 3 fathers) who, along with their dependent children, survived the Black Saturday bushfires. The interviews were conducted around 6-7 years following the fires, thus offering a longer-term perspective than much of the research in this area to date. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to explore parental experiences over the years since the disaster.

Supervisors

Professor Louise Harms, Department of Social Work
Professor Lisa Gibbs, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health 
Dr David Rose, Department of Social Work