Questions and Answers
What is a major disaster?
Any natural catastrophe or any fire, flood, or explosion that causes significant damage.
Which of the following are characteristics of a disaster? (Select all that apply)
Disasters can have long-lasting emotional and psychological effects on survivors.
True
What are vulnerable populations in the context of disasters?
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Which of the following is a common reaction to disasters? (Select all that apply)
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What is meant by post-disaster traumatic stress?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of disaster?
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A disaster is often defined as a routine event.
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What defines a major disaster?
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Disasters may have _____ impacts which can last for generations.
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Name two vulnerable populations that may have intense needs during disasters.
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What is the expected outcome of recovery from a disaster?
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Which type of stress does post-disaster trauma not necessarily equal?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Disaster and Mental Health
- Disasters, whether natural or human-made, significantly affect millions annually, altering individual and community stability.
- Psychological, social, cultural, political, and economic factors play complex roles in long-term recovery from disasters.
Definition of Disaster
- Major disasters include catastrophic events like natural catastrophes, fires, floods, or explosions causing extensive damage requiring aid beyond local capacity.
- Defined critically as incidents leading to major physical damage, loss of life, or hardship.
Characteristics of Disaster
-
Size: The scope of the disaster impacts its manageability; larger areas with more resources can handle crises better than smaller ones.
- Key factors: greater scope, intensity, and duration of the disaster.
-
Cause: Disasters can stem from:
- Natural occurrences (earthquakes, hurricanes)
- Human activities (industrial accidents)
- Na-tech (natural-tech disasters)
- Public health emergencies (pandemics)
- Expected vs. Unexpected: Disasters can happen without warning or be anticipated; both trigger different psychological reactions.
- Timing: The moment a disaster occurs can influence the immediate and long-term responses of survivors.
Survivor Reactions
- Reactions to disasters vary widely and can include physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and spiritual responses.
- Common reactions post-disaster include:
- Physical: fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Emotional: anger, anxiety, grief
- Cognitive: confusion, memory issues
- Behavioral: withdrawal or increased substance use
- Spiritual: questioning beliefs or seeking meaning
Vulnerable Populations
- Certain groups face heightened risks and may require more intense support during and after disasters:
- Children
- The elderly, particularly the frail
- Individuals with serious mental illnesses
- Persons with physical disabilities
- Those dealing with substance dependence
- People living in poverty
Post-Disaster Traumatic Stress
- Recovery from disasters is typically viewed as an expected outcome, though many survivors experience post-traumatic stress symptoms.
- Post-disaster situations can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires careful monitoring and intervention.
Importance of Disaster Mental Health
- Effective disaster mental health practices consider local capacities and the long-term impacts of disasters on communities.
- Maintaining social, ecological, economic, and political stability is crucial for effective recovery and support for affected populations.
Introduction to Disaster and Mental Health
- Disasters, whether natural or human-made, significantly affect millions annually, altering individual and community stability.
- Psychological, social, cultural, political, and economic factors play complex roles in long-term recovery from disasters.
Definition of Disaster
- Major disasters include catastrophic events like natural catastrophes, fires, floods, or explosions causing extensive damage requiring aid beyond local capacity.
- Defined critically as incidents leading to major physical damage, loss of life, or hardship.
Characteristics of Disaster
-
Size: The scope of the disaster impacts its manageability; larger areas with more resources can handle crises better than smaller ones.
- Key factors: greater scope, intensity, and duration of the disaster.
-
Cause: Disasters can stem from:
- Natural occurrences (earthquakes, hurricanes)
- Human activities (industrial accidents)
- Na-tech (natural-tech disasters)
- Public health emergencies (pandemics)
- Expected vs. Unexpected: Disasters can happen without warning or be anticipated; both trigger different psychological reactions.
- Timing: The moment a disaster occurs can influence the immediate and long-term responses of survivors.
Survivor Reactions
- Reactions to disasters vary widely and can include physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and spiritual responses.
- Common reactions post-disaster include:
- Physical: fatigue or sleep disturbances
- Emotional: anger, anxiety, grief
- Cognitive: confusion, memory issues
- Behavioral: withdrawal or increased substance use
- Spiritual: questioning beliefs or seeking meaning
Vulnerable Populations
- Certain groups face heightened risks and may require more intense support during and after disasters:
- Children
- The elderly, particularly the frail
- Individuals with serious mental illnesses
- Persons with physical disabilities
- Those dealing with substance dependence
- People living in poverty
Post-Disaster Traumatic Stress
- Recovery from disasters is typically viewed as an expected outcome, though many survivors experience post-traumatic stress symptoms.
- Post-disaster situations can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires careful monitoring and intervention.
Importance of Disaster Mental Health
- Effective disaster mental health practices consider local capacities and the long-term impacts of disasters on communities.
- Maintaining social, ecological, economic, and political stability is crucial for effective recovery and support for affected populations.
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Description
This quiz reviews the relationship between disasters and mental health, emphasizing the unique characteristics of different disasters and their psychological impacts. It is designed for BS Psychology students preparing for prelim exams. Test your understanding of key concepts and reactions associated with disaster scenarios.
