Collaborative Gaps: Investigating the Role of Civilian-Religious Authority Disconnection in Psychosocial Support Provision during the 2014 Floods

By Vladimir CvetkovićNews
  • Dragiša JurišićSecurity Research Center, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Žarko MarčetaSecurity Research Center, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

DOI: 

https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2024.6.2.1

Keywords: 

collaboration, civilian, religious authorities, psychosocial support, disaster management

Abstract

This study examines the collaborative dynamics between civilian and religious authorities in providing psychosocial support following the 2014 floods in the Sava, Vrbas, and Vrbanja River Basins in the Republic of Srpska / Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through surveys with 275 residents and interviews with civil and religious authorities, a notable pattern emerged: while both groups expressed a mutual desire to work together, a reluctance to initiate collaboration hindered progress. Interviews revealed that each group awaited an invitation from the other, resulting in a standstill despite shared interests in cooperation. The study identifies several underlying reasons for this hesitation. Uncertainties about roles, responsibilities, and communication channels contributed to the impasse, perpetuating a cycle of inaction. Despite recognizing the importance of supporting disaster-affected communities, the absence of proactive outreach from either side sustained the disconnect. This research underscores the significance of addressing these collaborative barriers. It emphasizes the need for clear communication, mutual understanding, and proactive engagement to foster effective collaboration between civilian and religious authorities. By creating an environment conducive to openness and initiative-taking, stakeholders can overcome hurdles and enhance disaster response and resilience efforts. The findings have implications for policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders involved in disaster management. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges inhibiting collaboration, stakeholders can unlock the potential of civilian-religious partnerships to strengthen psychosocial support provision and build more resilient communities in the face of future disasters.

References

Baidhawy, Z. (2015). The role of faith-based organization in coping with disaster management and mitigation: Muhammadiyah’s experience. Journal of Indonesian Islam, 9(2), 167-194. https://doi.org/10.15642/JIIS.2015.9.2.167-194 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Bangpan, M.,, Felix, L., Soliman, F., D’Souza, P., Jieman, A.T. & Dickson, K. (2024). The impact of mental health and psychosocial support programmes on children and young people’s mental health in the context of humanitarian emergencies in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, 11, e21. https://doi: 10.1017/gmh.2024.17 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Borpujari, P. (2021). Religious institutions and disasters: Scope for DRR and long-term recovery. Humanitarian Affairs. https://blogs.icrc.org/religion-humanitarianprinciples/religious-institutions-and-disasters-scope-for-drr-and-long-term-recovery/ , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Caritas. (2024). Bosnia and Herzegovina. Caritas Internationalis. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/bosnia-and-herzegovina/ , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Caritas Srbije. (2024). Projekat za povećanje otpornosti na prirodne katastrofe i unapređenje strategija pripravnosti (PREPS). https://caritas.rs/madad-2/ , Accessed: 2024-10-22.

CERF (2015). Resident / Humanitarian Coordinator report on the use of CERF funds: Bosnia and Herzegovina rapid response floods. Central Emergency Response Fund. https://cerf.un.org/sites/default/files/resources/Bosnia%20Herzegovina%20RCHC%20Report%2014-RR-BOS-001.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Catholic Relief Services. (2016). Using cash for shelter: Flood emergency response in Serbia. https://www.calpnetwork.org/publication/using-cash-for-shelter-flood-emergency-response-in-serbia/ , Accessed: 2024-10-23.

Clarke, G. (2008). Faith-Based Organizations and International Development: An Overview. In G. Clarke & M. Jennings (Eds.), Development, Civil Society and Faith-Based Organizations (17-45). International Political Economy Series. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230371262_2 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Cvetković, V.M., Romanić, S., & Beriša, H. (2023). Religion Influence on Disaster Risk Reduction: A Case Study of Serbia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 5(1), 67-81. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2023.5.1.6 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Cvetković, V.M. & Šišović, V. (2024). Understanding the Sustainable Development of Community (Social) Disaster Resilience in Serbia: Demographic and Socio-Economic Impacts. Sustainability 16(7), 2620. https://doi: 10.3390/su16072620 , Accessed: 2024-10-23.

Dein S., Cook C.C.H., Powell A., & Eagger S. (2010). Religion, spirituality and mental health. The Psychiatrist, 34(2), 63-64. https://doi:10.1192/pb.bp.109.025924 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

De Wolf, F. (2018). Religion, spirituality and psychosocial support activities to people affected by a humanitarian crisis: The role of faith-based organizations (Master’s thesis, University of Groningen, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies). https://rcs.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/402/ , Accessed: 2024-23-10.

ELRHA. (2021). Review and assessment of mental health and psychosocial support intervention research in humanitarian settings. Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC). https://www.elrha.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/MHPSS-research-review-2021.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

European Commission. (2014). Floods in Bosnia and Herzegovina: ECHO joint assessment report (Status Request for Assistance). https://ec.europa.eu/echo/files/news/bosnia_herzegovina_floods_joint_report_en.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

FEMA. (2013). Engaging Faith-Based and Community Organizations: Planning Considerations for Emergency Managers. Federal Emergency Management Agency https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1416855001826-4f2c599df0b9f3d708f7fa6d2f7216fa/FBO_Guide_FINAL_10_29_14.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Fitchett, G., Murphy, P. E., Kim, J., Gibbons, J. L., Cameron, J. R., & Davis, J. A. (2004). Religious struggle: Prevalence, correlates and mental health risks in diabetic, congestive heart failure, and oncology patients. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 34(2), 179-196. https://doi:10.2190/UCJ9-DP4M-9C0X-835M , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Gavrić, S., Banović, D., & Barreiro, M. (Eds.). (2013). The Political System of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Institutions – Actors – Processes (Edition BH politika/BH politics). Sarajevski otvoreni centar/Sarajevo Open Centre. https://sarajevoopen-centre.ba/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BH_politika_political_system_of_bosnia_and_herzegovina_2020.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Goldberg, Z. (2015). Faith-Based Organizations in Disaster Relief: Locally-Based Strategies for a Higher Demand Future (Honors Capstone Project). Renée Crown University Honors Program, Syracuse University. https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1832&context=honors_capstone , Accessed : 2024-06-10.

Gray, B. L., Hanna, F., & Reifels, L. (2020). The integration of mental health and psychosocial support and disaster risk reduction: A mapping and review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), Article 1900. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17061900 , Accessed : 2024-06-10.

Ha, K.-M. (2015). The role of religious beliefs and institutions in disaster management: A case study. Religions, 6(4), 1314-1329. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel6041314 , Accessed : 2024-06-10.

Haroz, E. E., Nguyen, A. J., Lee, C. I., Tol, W. A., Fine, S. L., & Bolton, P. (2020). What works in psychosocial programming in humanitarian contexts in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review of the evidence. Intervention, 18(1), 3-17. https://doi.org/10.4103/INTV.INTV_43_20 , Accessed : 2024-06-10.

Hirono, T., & Blake, M. E. (2017). The role of religious leaders in the restoration of hope following natural disasters. SAGE Open, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244017707003 , Accessed : 2024-10-23.

IASC. (2007). IASC Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings. Geneva: IASC. https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/iasc_guidelines_on_mental_health_and_psychosocial_support_in_emergency_settings.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

ICPDR. (2015). Floods in May 2014 in the Sava River Basin: Brief overview of key events and lessons learned. Vienna, Austria: International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River & International Sava River Basin Commission. https://www.icpdr.org/sites/default/files/nodes/documents/sava_floods_report.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

IFRC. (2009). Psychosocial interventions: A handbook. Copenhagen: International Federation Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support. Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support. https://pscentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/PSI-Handbook_EN_July10.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

IFRC. (2014). IFRC Framework for Community Resilience. Geneva. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. https://www.ifrc.org/sites/default/files/IFRC-Framework-for-Community-Resilience-EN-LR.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

JLI. (2022). The State of the Evidence in Religions and Development. Washington, DC: Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities. https://jliflc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/FINAL-State-of-the-Evidence_30062022_highres.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Koenig, H.G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: the research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry, 2012, 278730. https://doi: 10.5402/2012/278730 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Koenig, H.G., King, D.E. & Carson, V.B. (2012). Handbook of Religion and Health. 2nd edition. New York, NY, USA: Oxford University Press.

Martin, F. (2008). Psychology, Religion and Development: A Literature Review. Religions and Development Working Paper 25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242460686_Psychology_Religion_and_Development_A_Literature_Review , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Pargament, K. I., Feuille, M., & Burdzy, D. (2011). The Brief RCOPE: Current psychometric status of a short measure of religious coping. Religions, 2(1), 51-76. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel2010051 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Rahmani, M., Muzwagi, A. & Pumariega, A.J. (2022). Cultural Factors in Disaster Response Among Diverse Children and Youth Around the World. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 24(10), 481-491. https://doi: 10.1007/s11920-022-01356-x , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Rajcevic, V., Crnogorac, C., Trbic, G. & Popov, T. (2016) Floods in the Vrbas River Basin and Climate Changes. International Journal of Environmental Science, 1, 244-249 https://www.iaras.org/iaras/filedownloads/ijes/2016/008-0038.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Rao, K. (2006). Psychosocial support in disaster-affected communities. International Review of Psychiatry, 18(6), 501–505. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540260601038472 , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Ruter, K. (2023). The Relationship between Religious Coping and Mental Health – What Do We Know? In. M. Knežević (Ed.), Coping with Crisis – Pathways towards Resilience. Selected Proceedings of the 3rd International Scientific Conference of the Department of Psychology at the Catholic University of Croatia (39-52). Zagreb, Croatia: Catholic University of Croatia. ISBN 978-953-8014-75-8 (e-book).

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. (2015). World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, Sendai, Japan. https://www.preventionweb.net/files/43291_sendaiframeworkfordrren.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Saidon, R., Ab Manan, S. K., Sueb, R., Abd Rahman, F. N., Sahari, N. H., & Aziz, N. S. (2020). Religious Psycho-spiritual Care Services for Disaster Victims. Malaysian Journal Of Consumer And Family Economics Vol 24 (S2). https://majcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ Vol-24-S2-2020-Paper-12.pdf, Accessed: 2024-10-23.

Sphere Association. (2018). The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response (4th edition). Geneva: Sphere Association.

World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, & World Vision International. (2011). Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers. Geneva: World Health Organization.

World Health Organization, War Trauma Foundation, & World Vision International. (2013). Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers. Geneva, World Health Organization.

Latinović, M. (2013). Uloga zdravstvenog sistema u smanjenju rizika od katastrofa u vanrednim situacijama. Banja Luka: Ministarstvo zdravlja i socijalne zaštite Republike Srpske.

Latinović, M. (2014). Mentalno zdravlje u katastrofama – Psihosocijalna podrška i pomoć. Medici.com – Mozaik medicinskih komunikacija, XI(63), 37-47.

Marčeta, Ž. (2021). Psihosocijalna pomoć u okolnostima prirodnih katastrofa [Psychosocial assistance in the context of natural disasters] (Master rad, Univerzitet u Banjoj Luci, Fakultet bezbjednosnih nauka) [Master’s thesis, University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Security Sciences].

MZiSZ RS i DPRS. (2015). Akcioni plan za pružanje psihološke pomoći i podrške stanovništvu u situacijama prirodnih katastrofa. Ministarstvo zdravlja i socijalne zaštite i Društvo psihologa Republike Srpske. U zborniku: Psihosocijalna podrška djeci i porodici nakon prirodnih katastrofa, 117-119. Banja Luka: Društvo psihologa Republike Srpske.

MZiSZ RS. (2014). Rješenje o imenovanju Tima za koordinaciju psihosocijalne pomoći i podrške u Republici Srpskoj. Banja Luka: Ministarstvo zdravlja i socijalne zaštite Republike Srpske.

Savić, J. (2009). Kolo srpskih sestara – odgovor elite na žensko pitanje (Pregledni rad). Glasnik Etnografskog muzeja u Beogradu = Bulletin of the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade = Bulletin du Musée Ethnographique de Belgrade. 73, 115-132. Beograd : Etnografski muzej. http://www.anthroserbia.org/Content/PDF/Articles/5_GEM_73_Savić_115-132.pdf , Accessed: 2024-06-10.

Downloads

Published

2024-12-25

How to Cite

Jurišić, D., & Marceta, Z. (2024). Collaborative Gaps: Investigating the Role of Civilian-Religious Authority Disconnection in Psychosocial Support Provision during the 2014 Floods. International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, 6(2), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.18485/ijdrm.2024.6.2.1More Citation Formats

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024): International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Disaster Risk Management

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Management (IJDRM) allows authors to deposit publisher’s version/PDF in an institutional repository, research gate, Academia.edu, and non-commercial subject-based repositories, or to publish it on Author’s personal website (including social networking sites) and/or departmental website, at any time after publication in compliance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial – NoDerrivatives 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). The Publisher’s copyright and source must be acknowledged and a link must be made to the article’s DOI (HTML link).

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *