A GRIEF COUNSELING INTERVENTION AFTER THE MASS TRAUMA: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE VICTIMS OF THE EASTER SUNDAY ATTACK IN SRI LANKA

Abstract

This qualitative study investigates the lived experiences of eight survivors from the St. Sebastian's church attack during the 2019 Easter Sunday tragedy in Sri Lanka, along with three key informant interviews. Employing a reflexive thematic analysis approach, the inquiry draws upon social support theory and the five stages of grief theory to examine the data. The findings reveal a stark absence of formal grief counseling services for those impacted by the attacks, with survivors relying solely on inadequate informal support within their communities. A significant 70% expressed doubts about the government's involvement, citing perceptions of neglect and ineffective responses, which undermined trust necessary for effective support delivery. The church-based Setsarana program emerged as the only source of spiritual guidance, practical aid, informal counseling, and housing assistance, highlighting the lack of essential psychological interventions. These findings underscore the urgent need for Sri Lanka to adopt a coordinated, culturally-sensitive approach to offer comprehensive psychological care in the aftermath of mass tragedies. The study recommends implementing diverse therapeutic approaches, such as nature-based programs and animal-assisted therapy, to address unmet needs. Enhancing accessibility through governmental aid, telemedicine, and educational initiatives for diverse populations is emphasized. Furthermore, the study stresses the necessity for prolonged investigations to grasp the lasting effects of interventions and the continual advancement of resources to aid grief recovery.