Abstract
This article examines how the experience of disaster volunteer activities in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake affected and transformed subsequent values and a sense of well-being among young people. Based on extant literature on happiness, disasters, and youth, the study sheds light on “youth who engaged in disaster volunteer activities within a year immediately after the disaster.” Data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using M-GTA （modified grounded theory approach） to explore the process of value change. Results revealed that young people who engaged in disaster volunteer activities underwent a series of autonomous actions in highly uncertain disaster sites, which led to a transformation in their sense of values. Strengthened were the importance of behaviors for self-actualization, relationships, and altruistic actions. As has been discussed in existing literature, these behaviors contribute to one’s well-being.
