Experiences and lessons learned of hurricane Maria in a group of adolescents within the school context

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences and lessons learned of hurricane Maria in a group of adolescents within the school context. Bronfenbrenner‘s (1994) theoretical model was used to inquire about the post hurricane María experiences and about the social and emotional aspects related to those experiences that represent an integral part of the development of all adolescents within the microsystem of the school.  A qualitative methodology was used; ten in-depth interviews were conducted to five adolescents, and five 9th to 10th teachers from the Puerto Rico‘s public schools.  All data was content analyzed using Atlas.ti.  Results of the experiences of hurricane Maria in the lives of the adolescent within the microsystem of the school and the family, the mesosystem and the ecosystem are discussed.  Based on the results of the study, recommendations were presented that can be considered by school officials should another similar atmospheric event is experienced in the island.