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The Marchioness disaster: preliminary report on psychological effects
J Thompson1, M C Chung, R Rosser
1University College London Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Middlesex Hospital, UK.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
Survivors of the Marchioness riverboat disaster experienced significant psychological distress, including intrusive memories and difficulties. Their neuroticism scores were notably elevated compared to general populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Disaster Psychiatry
Background:
- The Marchioness riverboat disaster on August 20, 1989, resulted in significant loss of life.
- Understanding the long-term psychological impact on survivors is crucial for effective support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the psychological after-effects experienced by survivors of the Marchioness riverboat disaster.
- To compare the psychological distress levels of survivors to population and psychiatric in-patient norms.
Main Methods:
- Psychological assessments were administered to 27 survivors of the disaster.
- Measures included assessments of intrusive memories, general psychological difficulties, and personality traits (neuroticism).
Main Results:
- Survivors scored significantly higher than population norms on measures of intrusive memories and psychological difficulties.
- Survivor scores were also somewhat higher than psychiatric in-patient populations on these measures.
- Neuroticism scores were substantially higher than population norms, though not correlated with distress.
Conclusions:
- Survivors of the Marchioness disaster exhibit significant and persistent psychological after-effects.
- The findings highlight the profound and lasting impact of mass trauma on mental health.
- Further research into long-term psychological support for disaster survivors is warranted.