An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of Environmental Harm and Health Adaptation Among Coastal Community Members in Indonesia

Abstract

Environmental health research increasingly recognizes the social and psychological dimensions of pollution, particularly in communities exposed to long-term industrial activity. In coastal areas, residents face not only physical risks but also cultural and emotional disruptions caused by environmental degradation. However, little is known about how individuals subjectively experience and make sense of these conditions in their daily lives. This study asks: how do coastal community members interpret and respond to the impacts of industrial pollution on their health and well-being? Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, this study explores the lived experiences of affected individuals to uncover the meanings behind their responses. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with twelve residents (6 males and 6 females) of an industrial coastal area in Indonesia, each of whom had lived in the community for at least ten years,, and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings reveal three core themes: embodied awareness of environmental harm, the tension between vulnerability and resilience, and everyday strategies of survival. These themes illustrate how individuals experience pollution not only as a threat but also as a source of adaptive meaning, shaped by cultural identity and community bonds. The study contributes to a more human-centered understanding of environmental health, offering insights that may inform future policy, health interventions, and qualitative research on environmental justice.