Southern Leyte State University’s Research on Student Trauma during Super Typhoon Rai Published in Scopus-Indexed Journal

Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) celebrates a significant academic achievement as its dedicated faculty member, Mr. Allan Abiera  collaborated with international author Dr. Jan Gresil Kahambing of  Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Macau, SAR, China contribute groundbreaking research on the impact of natural disasters on student well-being, recently published in the prestigious Journal of Loss and Trauma. The study, titled “Loss, Trauma, and the Future for College Students during Super Typhoon Rai,” appears in Volume 28, Issue 7 of the journal, making a valuable addition to global research on trauma and resilience among college students in disaster-prone areas.
This publication shines a light on the critical experiences of college students in Southern Leyte, a region hit hard by Super Typhoon Rai (internationally known as Typhoon Odette) in December 2021. As one of the most powerful storms to impact the Philippines, Rai caused widespread destruction, impacting lives, properties, and mental health in Southern Leyte. Through a series of in-depth interviews with students from eight of the most affected municipalities, the study provides intimate insights into the narratives of loss, trauma, and resilience among youth.

The research, supported by local interviews conducted in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols, explores uncharted perspectives on student trauma that go beyond the typical focus on physical and environmental losses. It examines the personal accounts of students grappling with feelings of loss, overwhelming helplessness, and uncertainty about the future. Highlighting the psychological effects and the adaptive capacities these young individuals displayed, the study serves as a resource for educators, counselors, and policymakers working toward psychosocial support and mental health interventions for youth in vulnerable regions.
Mr. Abiera and Dr. Kahambing's work underlines the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of students impacted by climate-related disasters. In addition to contributing to the academic discourse on trauma, the study is a call to action for communities, institutions, and governments to prioritize student mental health in disaster response plans.
SLSU is proud to support and celebrate the accomplishments of its faculty, who continue to make significant contributions to academic research with real-world implications. This publication reflects the university’s commitment to fostering transformative studies that not only enhance scholarly knowledge but also align with global development goals, particularly in promoting well-being and resilience among youth.
By publishing in a Scopus-indexed journal, Mr. Abiera and Dr. Kahambing have cemented their role as leading voices in the field, representing SLSU on an international stage. Their dedication to impactful research serves as an inspiration to the academic community at SLSU and underscores the institution’s commitment to research excellence that addresses pressing societal challenges.