Personal resilience and coping abilities of extension agents post-hurricane. Issue 1 (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ali, Amanda D.; Harder, Amy; Lindsey, Angela; Lundy, Lisa; Roberts, T. Grady
• Is Part Of: Journal of agricultural education and extension. Volume 26:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 97
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: Community resilience -- coping -- Extension -- hurricane -- personal resilience -- post-disaster response; Agricultural education -- Periodicals; Agricultural extension work -- Periodicals; Agricultural education -- Europe -- Periodicals; Agricultural extension work -- Europe -- Periodicals; 630.71
• DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2019.1690013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1389-224X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: 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.