The Living Situation, and Social Capital and Its Related Factors of Adults Taking Shelter for a Long Time after the Catastrophic Earthquake

Abstract

This study focused on the adults taking extended shelter after the catastrophic earthquake in March 2011, and aims to reveal their living situations, and social capital and its related factors. We examined the living situations including the existence of people with whom to cohabitate, occupation, participation in community activities, and social support. We also examined the following relevant factors of social capital: area of residence, age, the existence of people with whom to cohabitate, occupation, participation in community activities, social support, mental health status, and income change after the earthquake. Help in rebuilding their community is a key factor that affects the mental sanity of refugees. Given the changes brought by the earthquake, this group of people merits government support.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2014.v3n6p301