Psychological Distress Following the 2010 Christchurch Earthquake: A Community Assessment of Two Differentially Affected Suburbs

M J Dorahy; Lee Kannis-Dymand

doi:10.1080/15325024.2011.616737

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Psychological Distress Following the 2010 Christchurch Earthquake: A Community Assessment of Two Differentially Affected Suburbs

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Psychological Distress Following the 2010 Christchurch Earthquake: A Community Assessment of Two Differentially Affected Suburbs

M J Dorahy and Lee Kannis-Dymand

Journal of Loss & Trauma: international perspectives on stress and coping, Vol.17(3), pp.203-217

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2011.616737

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Abstract

earthquake

natural disasters

psychological distress

This study aimed to explore posttraumatic distress and the cognitive variables of controllability and predictability in two demographically matched communities differentially affected by the Christchurch earthquake of September 4, 2010 (N = 124). A door-to-door survey was conducted 8-10 weeks after the initial quake. The two communities did not differ on acute stress disorder or symptoms, but the affected community had higher depression and anxiety scores. Depression, feeling on edge, and anxiety scores predicted acute stress symptoms. Uncontrollability of response to aftershocks predicted acute stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Results are discussed with reference to the impact of ongoing aftershocks and how they are likely to maintain a sense that responses to them are uncontrollable, which in turn maintains psychological distress.

Details

Title: Psychological Distress Following the 2010 Christchurch Earthquake: A Community Assessment of Two Differentially Affected Suburbs
Authors: M J Dorahy (Author) - University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Lee Kannis-Dymand (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
Publication details: Journal of Loss & Trauma: international perspectives on stress and coping, Vol.17(3), pp.203-217
Publisher: Routledge
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2011.616737
ISSN: 1532-5024
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449865602621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Psychology, Social

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