THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DISASTERS

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DISASTERS

• Wide variety of reactions can be expected in the immediate aftermath
• Among directly exposed prevalence of PTSD is 30-40 %, in general population 10 to 20 %, and among rescue workers 10-20 % (Galea, Nandi & Vlalov, 2005)
• Most survivors in disasters fare well
• Some disasters can produce PTSD in majority of victims
• Many bereaved suffer extensively over time – type of loss will determine longevity of reactions
• Personal growth and community mobilization

•         Increased awareness

•         Change in values

•         Better preparedness

•         Connectedness – strengthening social network ties

DISASTERS AND SOCIETY

•         Reinforcing social fabric

•         Cohesion

•         Altruism, helping each other

•         Empathy and understanding

•         Positive meaning making

•         Resilience

•         Responsibility

•         Preventing new disasters

•         Increased preparedness

•         Health improvement

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 •         Fragmentation of human bonds

•         Conflict

•         Individualism

•         Psychic numbing, denial

•         Chronic meaning seeking

•         Vulnerability

•         Pulverization of responsibility

•         Lack of plans

•         Hypervigilance, overreactions

•         Health deterioration