A Safe Home? A Qualitative Study into the Experiences of Adolescents Growing Up in the Dutch Area Impacted by Earthquakes Induced by Gas Extraction

Elianne A. Zijlstra, Mijntje D. C. ten Brummelaar, Mileen S. Cuijpers, Wendy J. Post, Ingrid D. C. van Balkom and Hamed Seddighi
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Elianne A. Zijlstra: Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TJ Groningen, The Netherlands
Mijntje D. C. ten Brummelaar: Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TJ Groningen, The Netherlands
Mileen S. Cuijpers: Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TJ Groningen, The Netherlands
Wendy J. Post: Department of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, 9712 TJ Groningen, The Netherlands
Ingrid D. C. van Balkom: Jonx Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, 9728 JR Groningen, The Netherlands
Hamed Seddighi: Campus Fryslân, University of Groningen, 7901 LB Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 8, 1-13

Abstract: For decades, the Netherlands has experienced minor earthquakes due to gas extraction. This study aims to obtain insight into the experiences of adolescents and the impact of these earthquakes on their well-being and living environment. Focus groups were held with 24 adolescents, and interviews were held with 3 adolescents (N = 27; M = 15 years). Through qualitative analysis, we identified six themes. The adolescents shared experiences of anxiety related to the earthquakes and their consequences and considered these to be a normal part of their life. Anxiety and feelings of endangerment not only related to their own experiences but were also connected to the impact of earthquakes on their social environment, such as the restoration of buildings. Several sources of support (e.g., talking, social cohesion) were mentioned to deal with the negative consequences of the earthquakes. A lack of trust in the government was an additional main theme, with adolescents mentioning several needs, potentially relevant to policymakers in the Netherlands. Growing up in the gas extraction area of Groningen had many consequences on the adolescents in the study, who felt inhibited from expressing feelings of anxiety and fear. To support their needs, interventions at the individual, family, educational, societal, and policy levels are recommended.

Keywords: earthquakes; hazards; gas extraction; adolescents; well-being; living environment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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