Positive Emotional Traits and Coping Related to Depression in the Aftermath of Category 5 Hurricanes

Climate change has increased the likelihood that each tropical cyclone will intensify to a major hurricane, destroying communities and causing tremendous distress. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of negative coping behaviors, situational factors (emotional responses, stressors, coping strategies), and dispositional factors (trait gratitude and hope) that may contribute to depressive symptoms in the aftermath of Hurricanes Maria and Michael (H-MM). Cross-sectional data were collected through a questionnaire from communities in Florida that were directly impacted by Hurricanes Maria and Michael in 2017 and 2018 (N = 566; M_age = 41.3, 28% minorities). Hierarchical regression procedures were utilized to explore factors predicting depressive symptoms, with blocks of variables added following predetermined steps. Respondents who reported more hurricane-related negative emotions and stressors and who relied more on negative coping behaviors were more likely to report depressive symptoms, but those who reported greater hope and gratitude were less likely to have symptoms.