Culture and the psychological impacts of natural disasters: Implications for disaster management and disaster mental health

Abstract

In recent decades, natural disasters have caused extensive losses and damages to human psychological wellbeing, economy, and society. It has been argued that cultural factors such as social values, traditions, and attachment to a location influence communities facing and responding to natural disasters. However, the issue of culture in disaster mental health seems to have received limited attention in policy and practice. This review highlights the importance of cultural background in the assessment of vulnerability to the psychological impacts of disasters, disaster preparedness, and provision of disaster mental health services. In particular, this paper suggests the importance of cultural competence in the planning and delivery of effective disaster mental health services. In order to address the varying circumstances of people with different cultural backgrounds, disaster mental health services must be developed in a culturally sensitive manner. Development of culturally competent disaster mental health services requires significant changes in policy making, administration, and direct service provision

Divisions: College of Health & Life Sciences > School of Biosciences
College of Health & Life Sciences > Clinical and Systems Neuroscience
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Engineering Systems and Supply Chain Management
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Sustainable environment research group
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Additional Information: Special issue: Culture and people in science and technology This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.
Uncontrolled Keywords: culture,vulnerability,psychological impacts,disaster management,disaster response
Publication ISSN: 1759-0574
Last Modified: 09 Dec 2024 08:12
Date Deposited: 20 Nov 2014 09:20
Full Text Link: http://tbher.or ... rticle/view/115
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PURE Output Type: Special issue
Published Date: 2014-11
Authors: Jogia, J. (ORCID Profile 0000-0003-1799-1245)
Kulatunga, U.
Yates, G.P.
Wedawatta, G. (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-8600-5077)

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