PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO NATURAL DISASTER

JERAL LYNN HURST, Purdue University

Abstract

The response of individuals to traumatic environmental events has been widely reported. The focus of such research has primarily been on immediate pre- and post-impact behaviors. The techniques used in these studies have been predominantly survey methodology and clinical observation. Findings have been disparate, but it appears that extreme pathological reactions are rare. This study was an empirical test of a theoretical formulation in a naturalistic setting using tornado victims. It was hypothesized that residuals of a conditioned emotional response could be elicited in disaster victims by re-exposure of them to meteorological stimuli associated with tornadoes. These stimuli were presented in a simulation by way of motion picture film. Specific hypotheses predicted a performance decrement on a cognitive task, increased palmar sweating, and increased self-report of negative affect, as compared to non-victim's exposed to the same stimuli. Victim status was determined on the basis of proximity to impact of an actual tornado, and extent of personal injury sustained at the time of impact. Quasi-experimental variables, consisting of tornado related experiential variables, such as extent of economic loss and extent of injury to significant others, were included in a multiple regression analysis. A sample of convenience consisting of 30 males and 47 females was drawn from among residents of Monticello, Indiana. This community had been devastated by one or more tornadoes some two and one-half years prior to the study. Both victims and non-victims were shown one of three motion picture films depicting meteorological conditions which bore varying degrees of similarity to a tornado impact. Films were randomly assigned to sessions which accommodated from one to six subjects. The experimenter was blind to each subject's victim status until completion of all experimental procedures. Multiple regression analysis of the data suggested pre-experimental negative affective states associated with tornado-related experiential variables. No experiential variable was found to be associated with performance on a cognitive task. Proximity to impact and the interaction of proximity to impact by film condition were found to be significantly associated with increased palmar sweating. Victim status based on proximity to impact, independent of film condition, was significantly associated with self-report of negative affect. Extent of personal injury was not found to be significantly related to performance on a cognitive task, amount of palmar sweating, or self-report of negative affect. The data suggested that reminders of the disaster experience can produce a negatively toned affective state and increased autonomic activity. Modest support was found for the hypothesized presence of a conditioned emotional response in disaster victims. Methodological issues of the study and implications for future research were discussed.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy

COinS