Recovery from radiation anxiety and posttraumatic growth among community dwellers after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima

Objective This study examined (1) the current status of posttraumatic growth (PTG) and (2) the relationship between recovery from radiation anxiety and PTG among community dwellers five years after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima. Design This was a cross-sectional study with 796 residents of Fukushima Prefecture (367 men and 429 women). A questionnaire survey assessed PTG with one question (“Have you gained anything through the disaster experience?” [yes/no]), and current and past radiation anxiety on a 5-point Likert-type scale. These two anxiety measures were combined to generate a new item “recovery from radiation anxiety” with three values (“no anxiety,” “recovered,” and “unrecovered”). Results Approximately half of participants experienced PTG (55.4%). Women were more likely to experience PTG than men. Multiple logistic regression showed that individuals who “recovered” from radiation anxiety were more likely to experience PTG (odds ratio (OR) = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–2.85), and that higher level of education (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.28–3.49 for secondary education; OR = 3.95, 95% CI: 2.26–6.88 for higher education) and health literacy (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.09–1.63 for one point increase) were also associated with the experience of PTG.Conclusion: Our findings indicate that during the period of recovery from radiation anxiety, a positive psychological adjustment may occur and PTG might emerge as a result; our findings may be practically used to support sufferers of traumatic events in their recovery.