Civilian Catastrophe Reactions: Definition, History, and References
Introduction
Civilian catastrophe reactions, also known as disaster psychology or disaster mental health, are defined as the psychological responses and reactions of individuals to a catastrophic event. Catastrophes can range from natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods, to man-made disasters such as terrorism or warfare. This article will discuss the definition, history, and references related to civilian catastrophe reactions.
Definition
Civilian catastrophe reactions refer to the emotional, psychological, and behavioral responses of individuals to a catastrophic event. These responses can range from fear, shock, and grief, to anger, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In addition, individuals may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue. Furthermore, civilian catastrophe reactions can vary depending on the type of disaster, as well as the individual’s prior experiences and coping strategies.
History
The history of civilian catastrophe reactions dates back to the early 19th century, when the first studies of disaster psychology were conducted. These studies focused on the psychological effects of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods, on survivors and victims. Since then, the field has expanded to include the study of the psychological responses of individuals to man-made disasters, such as terrorism and warfare.
References
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Green, B. L., & Lindy, J. D. (1994). The psychological impact of disasters. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 1(2), 149-164.
Kaniasty, K., & Norris, F. H. (2008). Perceived collective efficacy and coping with disasters. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41, 121-130. doi:10.1007/s10464-008-9165-7
Norris, F. H., Friedman, M. J., & Watson, P. J. (2002). 60,000 disaster victims speak: Part I. An empirical review of the empirical literature, 1981-2001. Psychiatry, 65(3), 207-239.
Werner, M. (1997). Civilian responses to catastrophe: The mental health consequences of earthquake, war, and terrorism. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 20(1), 1-14.