Implementasi Psychological First Aid Berbasis Komunitas melalui Aktivitas Kelompok Terapeutik dalam Mendukung Pemulihan Kesejahteraan Psikologis Anak Pascabencana Banjir

Abstract

Children are among the most vulnerable groups affected by hydrometeorological disasters because of their limited psychological coping capacity. Disaster-related traumatic experiences may cause emotional distress, impaired social interaction, and disrupted psychosocial functioning. This study explored the implementation of community-based Psychological First Aid (PFA) through therapeutic group activities to support the psychological well-being of children affected by flooding in Gampong Pulo Lhok, Ulim District, Pidie Jaya Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative study with a thematic design was conducted involving 60 elementary school-aged children (7-12 years) selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using participant observation, semi-structured interviews, field notes, and documentation and analyzed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis. Four major themes emerged: (1) reduction of psychological distress, (2) enhancement of positive emotional expression, (3) restoration of social interaction and psychosocial functioning, and (4) emergence of hope and optimism. Community-based PFA contributed to improving emotional regulation, strengthening peer interaction, fostering a sense of safety, and facilitating children's adaptive expression of traumatic experiences. From the perspective of Islamic Guidance and Counseling, these findings indicate that community-based PFA can be integrated with Islamic values, including rahmah (compassion), ta'awun (mutual assistance), and raja' (hope), to provide a holistic psychosocial support model for children affected by disasters. This study contributes to the development of community-based crisis counseling practices within the framework of Islamic Guidance and Counseling.