Sudden social change and disaster

Most research focused on personality, short-term effects, cross-sectional

Post-traumatic growth: Group cohesion, growth in personal mastery, new strength/skills

Bonanno et al, 2010: Some have only minimal psychological cost

• 1yr after terrorist attack - only 14% had PTSD

Consequences of being scared: a. Make people more cynical     b. Lead to risky behaviours

c. Changes relationships with others

Intimacy: Fung & Cartensen, 2006: Short-term support and benevolence, back to normal 4 months

Post-disaster communities (Kaniasty & Norris, 2009): Initially work well, then go bitter, factors:

1. Complexity in mobilising help      2. Victims experience of helpers     3. Disruption of activities and social life       4. Disappointment regarding aid       5. Tiring weight of events

Secondary victimisation = Difficult for those already marginalised

Can't use lab studies to look at high threat because... 1. Not longitudinal     2. Is stress attributable to disaster     3. Need general population data to observe changes

Individual differences:

a. Personal appraisal is important    b. More likely to be helped if: more resilient, strong locus of control, self-esteem high     c. Values - drive responses      d. Misinterpret risks and attribute blame

Groups: Observational fear learning (contagious emotions), women more distressed, social networks are beneficial

Cultural variations: Fatalistic cultures (Hungaria), ever-changing world (Chinese/Eastern cultures), Japanese Shouganai ('Can't be helped')

Social media: Silver, 2013: TV exposure better stress predictor than direct (9/11)

• However, social media can cause problems (more social media = more stress)

• Kaniasty & Norris: Disaster bad for social inequalities, strongest reactions = highest stress
• Marshall, 2007: Increased hate crime to Middle East after 9/11
• Washer, 2004: Attribute blame to outgroups

Fukushima East Japan Earthquake: Killed 19,000 - to understand values, risk assessment, control

• Risk measured for future earthquakes and nuclear incidents
• Fear of earthquakes predicted by family fears and values
• Greater fear in Tokyo - fear of nuclear incident predicted by trust in goverment, sense of control
• Risks = Avoiding going out, wearing masks, leaving Japan

ONLY nuclear risk led to:  a. Stocking food/drink    b. Uncertainty about food/safety   c. willingness to leave Japan    d. Bulltetin board users less trusting of goverment than media users

• Distress scores HIGHEST in Fukushmia, LOWEST in Miyagi
• Interviews: Closer relationships, then relationship strains, then rejection and resentment (blame)
• Miyagi refugees had more mental health issues if:    a. Older     b. Female     c. Salary     d. Disease history       e. Lost someone on 3/11. Support to reduce distress

Swine Flu (H1N1) H7N9 China: Anxiety related to...

1. Positive -> Hand washing, close relationships

2. Negative -> Cancelling travel, rejecting outsiders

Terrorism France 2015:

• More anxious in Paris
• Relationships closer with more distress
• Less willing to involve outgroups
• Media increased distress and political views changes

Practical suggestions;

a) Emergency plan for hardest to reach to provide reassurance    b) Prevent community bitterness

c) Social networks to drive desired behaviours    d) Protect vulnerable groups