Abstract:
There has been a marked increase in the number of disasters per year, both natural and manmade,
over the last half century. This increase is attributed to the phenomenon of Global
Warming, the rapid evolution of complicated and sophisticated technologies as well as the
large-scale consumption oriented culture which has altered the behaviour of people thus
contributing to a change in the relationship between man and his environment.
The focus of this study is one of the most tragic disasters that struck Pakistan in 2005.
Linking the trauma caused by this disaster and the role of family system of Pakistan in the
psychological and emotional rehabilitation of these people.
The data that was collected through in-depth interviews was supportive of the notion that
family, most specifically joint families, play a vital role in the emotional reintegration of
traumatized individuals.