Conference presentation
What were they thinking? Cognitive themes and psychological distress associated with the September 2010 Christchurch earthquake
2012 University Research Conference Program Book, pp.20-21
USC Research Conference, 2012 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Jul-2012–13-Jul-2012)
University of the Sunshine Coast
2012
Abstract
Eight to 10 weeks after the earthquake of September 2010 in Christchurch, New Zealand, two demographically matched communities were surveyed to compare the cognitions and mental health problems of the residents during and following the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. The themes of the reported cognitions were linked to the individual's scores on Acute Stress Disorder Scale (ASDS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depressive symptoms, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The two communities suffered differential loss of utilities during the earthquake, with the affected suburb (AV) losing services for many days, compared to the less affected suburb (HN). Unlike the second major earthquake in February 2011, no lives were lost in this earthquake. AV had higher anxiety and depression scores. Beliefs of the uncontrollability of personal response to aftershocks predicted acute stress, depression, and anxiety responses. Further, the types of cognitive themes are discussed in relation to acute stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms reported by the participants. Preliminary analysis and interpretation showed that there was variability within and between the affected suburbs, as well as, between the earthquake and the aftershock cognitions. Themes included concerns for one's safety and mortality, concerns for others, and the need for action.
Details
- Title
- What were they thinking? Cognitive themes and psychological distress associated with the September 2010 Christchurch earthquake
- Authors
- Lee Kannis-Dymand (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
- Publication details
- 2012 University Research Conference Program Book, pp.20-21
- Conference details
- USC Research Conference, 2012 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Jul-2012–13-Jul-2012)
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Date published
- 2012
- 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
- 99449170302621
- Output Type
- Conference presentation
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