‘Recovering from Tornado Brain’: A Qualitative Analysis of Long-Term Needs after One of the Deadliest Tornadoes in U.S. History

This study examined qualitative open-ended responses from 359 residents in Joplin, Missouri who provided text comments about unmet needs they were facing 2.5 years following the May 22, 2011 EF-5 tornado. Strategies of content analysis were used to code the open-ended responses and identify the main themes of long-term needs. Four main themes were identified: (1) mental health needs, (2) affordable homes and safe shelters, (3) community rebuilding, and (4) household financial needs. These findings provide an understanding of individual experiences, perceptions, and challenges during long-term recovery. This data can be used to inform future long-term recovery interventions, policies, and programs.