Social Capital as a Shield against Anxiety among Displaced Residents from Fukushima

Natural Hazards, Forthcoming

17 Pages Posted: 28 Jun 2017

See all articles by Keiko Iwasaki

Keiko Iwasaki

University of Tokyo

Yasuyuki Sawada

University of Tokyo; Asian Development Bank - Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD)

Daniel P. Aldrich

Northeastern University - College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Security and Resilience Program

Date Written: June 20, 2017

Abstract

The March 2011 meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear power plants in Japan resulted in an increased risk of psychological distress among affected residents. We conducted original surveys of Futaba residents, a town in Fukushima where all of the residents were forced to evacuate from their homes due to radioactive contamination, obtaining 585 responses (a response rate of about 20%). Using this original data set, we investigate the role of social capital in maintaining mental health among the residents. First, we found the level of stress captured by the Kessler index (K6) to be unusually high compared both with people across Japan and with those who were displaced because of the earthquake and/or tsunami (but not the nuclear catastrophe). However, having high levels of social capital — captured by the number of neighbors from Futaba after displacement, participation in volunteer work after displacement, and participation in tea parties after displacement — plays an important role in reducing anxiety and distress among Futaba residents. Finally, we provide concrete recommendations for policy makers and NGOs to increase resilience among affected residents by strengthening social ties.

Keywords: Social Capital, Mental Health, Fukushima, Nuclear Disasters, Great East Japan Earthquake

Suggested Citation

Iwasaki, Keiko and Sawada, Yasuyuki and Aldrich, Daniel P., Social Capital as a Shield against Anxiety among Displaced Residents from Fukushima (June 20, 2017). Natural Hazards, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2989988 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2989988

Keiko Iwasaki

University of Tokyo ( email )

Yayoi 1-1-1
Bunkyo-ku
Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657
Japan

Yasuyuki Sawada

University of Tokyo ( email )

Yayoi 1-1-1
Bunkyo-ku
Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657
Japan

Asian Development Bank - Economic Research and Regional Cooperation Department (ERCD) ( email )

Philippines

Daniel P. Aldrich (Contact Author)

Northeastern University - College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Security and Resilience Program ( email )

360 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02115
United States

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