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Related Experiment Videos

The impact of disaster support work

P E Hodgkinson1, M A Shepherd

  • 1Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Centre for Crisis Psychology, North Yorkshire, UK.

Journal of Traumatic Stress
|October 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Disaster support workers experience significant stress from role difficulties and client distress. This psychological burden persists long-term, impacting helper wellbeing.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Disaster Mental Health
  • Occupational Health

Background:

  • Limited evidence exists on the negative impacts of disaster support work.
  • Helpers providing psychological support may face unique stressors.
  • Understanding these stressors is crucial for supporting mental health professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of disaster-related stress on psychological support providers.
  • To identify factors moderating the effects of disaster work on helpers.
  • To assess the long-term effects of disaster support on helper wellbeing.

Main Methods:

  • Surveyed 67 social workers providing support after two major disasters.
  • Assessed psychological symptomatology, wellbeing, personality, social support, and life events.
  • Measured specific aspects of disaster support work, including role difficulties and client contact.

Main Results:

  • Social workers reported significant levels of psychological stress compared to normative data.
  • Key stressors included role-related difficulties and exposure to client distress.
  • Coping style, prior life events, and work aspects explained approximately one-third of the variance in helper response.
  • High stress levels persisted at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Disaster support work poses significant and persistent psychological risks to helpers.
  • Role-related challenges and vicarious traumatization are primary stress contributors.
  • Interventions should address coping mechanisms, pre-existing factors, and work-related stressors to mitigate long-term negative impacts on helpers.

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