ERIC Number: EJ1240518
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1389-224X
EISSN: N/A
Personal Resilience and Coping Abilities of Extension Agents Post-Hurricane
Ali, Amanda D.; Harder, Amy; Lindsey, Angela; Lundy, Lisa; Roberts, T. Grady
Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension, v26 n1 p97-112 2020
Purpose: While Extension agents should be ready to deal with recovery efforts, emotional stress can hinder their ability to respond effectively. This study sought to provide overall insights into Florida's Extension agents' ability to engage in post-hurricane response. Design/Methodology/Approach: Resilience and coping literature facilitated a researcher-developed conceptual framework. A basic qualitative design explored hurricane experiences with nine UF/IFAS Extension agents through face-to-face and telephone interviews. Findings: Participants likely had medium to high levels of personal resilience and varying levels of coping abilities. County differences, non-localized stressors, disaster training, and personal experience likely negatively affected agents' coping abilities. Practical Implications: There is scope to improve overall personal resilience by strengthening individual levels of hardiness and coping abilities through disaster training and development. Theoretical Implications: The conceptual framework worked well to identify levels of personal resilience and coping abilities of agents. However, it should be tailored to include external factors likely affecting personal resilience by context of country and disaster. Originality/Value: This research is the first to develop a resilience conceptual framework to describe UF/IFAS Extension agents' level of engagement in hurricane response. Strengthening Extension's post-hurricane response strategies can help ensure vibrant and resilient communities for current and future generations.
Descriptors: Resilience (Psychology), Coping, Extension Agents, Natural Disasters, Counties, Stress Variables, Emergency Programs, Guidelines, Crisis Management, Educational Needs
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Florida
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A