Lead researcher : Eve Pouliot

Co-researchers : Christine Gervais, Kristel Tardif-Grenier, Julie Fortin, Christiane Bergeron-Leclerc, Jacques Cherblanc and Annie Dumont

Abstract.This research project aims to respond to the needs of young people in the rural municipality of Pontiac (Outaouais) who were exposed to flooding. These disasters produced significant psychosocial impacts, compounded by the pandemic, including deteriorating mental health, low perceived social support and a disrupted connection to nature. Some young people nonetheless demonstrate resilience, and even post-traumatic growth, in the aftermath of a disaster. Family and school support, along with a positive connection to nature, are recognized as levers that facilitate their recovery. Against this backdrop, the project proposes the co-creation, piloting and evaluation of a family intervention program in a nature and adventure setting, following an open-innovation approach. The objective is to foster resilience, social support and a sense of agency among young people and their parents. The methodology is organized in three components: (1) a literature review and focus groups, (2) ideation and co-creation with an innovation cell, and (3) real-world piloting and evaluation. The project will generate scientific benefits (an original intervention model), environmental benefits (renewed appreciation of the connection to nature) and socioeconomic benefits (reduced psychosocial impacts of disasters). The program developed will be transferable to other regions of Quebec that are regularly affected by flooding.