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Immune function and affective states following a natural disaster
James Rotton1, Sorah S Dubitsky
1Psychology Department, Florida International University, North Miami 33181, USA. rottonj@fiu.edu
Psychological Reports
|June 14, 2002
Summary
Negative emotions after Hurricane Andrew did not lower evaluations of strangers. However, disaster severity correlated with higher stress markers, indicating salivary immunoglobulin A can assess health impacts of natural disasters.
Area of Science:
- Psychology and Immunology
- Social Psychology
- Health Consequences of Disasters
Background:
- Natural disasters can impact social cohesion and individual affect.
- Previous research suggests negative affect may influence interpersonal evaluations.
- The psychological and physiological effects of large-scale disasters require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that negative affect following a hurricane would lower evaluations of strangers.
- To explore the relationship between disaster exposure and negative affect.
- To investigate salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) as a biomarker for disaster-related health consequences.
Main Methods:
- 105 students evaluated a newly met individual after Hurricane Andrew.
- Participants' affect and neighborhood damage severity were assessed.
- Salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- The hypothesis that negative affect lowers stranger evaluations was not supported.
- Students in storm-damaged areas reported greater negative affect.
- Disaster severity significantly predicted higher s-IgA concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Negative affect following Hurricane Andrew did not impair stranger evaluations.
- Living in damaged neighborhoods was associated with increased negative affect.
- Salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) shows potential as a physiological indicator of disaster exposure and health impact.