Disaster Management Psychological Perspectives

Dr.V.D.Swaminathan, Professor of Psychology, & Director University Center for International Relations University of Madras

Meaning of Disaster

A great or sudden misfortune A complete failure (Concise Oxford Dictionary)

Theoretical Paradigm
SOR in which S = Stimulus (Disaster) O = Organism (Human being) R = Response (Consequence)

Types of Disaster
Natural Disaster (earth quake, cyclone or any such weather related, tsunami, avalanche, etc.)
Manmade Disaster (terrorism)

Phases of Preparation for Disaster Management

Pre Disaster Phase Disaster Phase
Post Disaster Phase

Pre Disaster Phase

Prevention primary, secondary & teritiary Identify risk factors Revised Social Ecological Model Micro level factors (endogenous) Meso, Macro and Mega level factors (exogenous)

Organism or Individual Related Factors (Micro level Endogenous)

(a) Age (maturity) (b) Basic personality (c) Belief system (d) Clinical status (e) General intelligence (f) Life style (g) Perception and so on

Personality - Definition
a more or less stable enduring organization of ones physique, intellect, temperament and character that determines ones unique adjustment to environment (Eysenck, 1983)

Dimensions of Personality
(i) Intelligence -- High (vs.) Low
(ii) Extraversion High (vs.) Low (iii) Neuroticism -- High (vs.) Low (iv) Psychoticism High (vs.) Low

Meso level Factors (Family)

Awareness (being mentally prepared, if possible, avoidance of certain risks)
Attitude (true education not money based)

Action (cohesion, cooperation, coordination etc.)

Macro & Mega Level Factors

. Macro level educational institution, organization where one is employed (training in first aid; avoidance of unhealthy conflicts which arise mainly because of cut throat competition and certain other antihuman practices) Mega level making the best & optimal use of technological power.

During Disaster
High vigilance Presence of mind Clear communication Resource mobilization Protection of lives rather than material valuables

Consequences of a Disaster
Post-disaster personality is a mere extension and exaggeration of pre-disaster personality.
Positive triggering of resources from within to meet challenges and be proactive Negative depletion of resources causing problems and be reactive

Post traumatic Syndrome

Psychological effects of the disaster may persist for many months; from acute phase, if they move on to chronic phase, they tend to suffer from post traumatic syndrome. In some cases, there could be an incubation period; but generally the symptoms generally appear soon after the trauma or disaster.

Some of the Important Symptoms

Difficulty in falling or staying asleep Irritability or outbursts of anger Difficulty in concentration Hyper vigilance Exaggerated startle response almost similar to panic attack

Panic Attack
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. It is a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort in which four or more of the following symptoms the individuals will develop abruptly and reach a peak within ten minutes. Palpitations (tachy cardia) Sweating Sensations of shortness of breath Trembling Feeling of choking Chest pain Nausea or abdominal distress Feeling dizzy Derealization Going crazy/fear of losing control Fear of dying Paresthesia (numbness)

Other Possible Maladaptive Responses

Agora Phobia Any other specific fear Obsessive-compulsive disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Major disorders (Psychoses) Counter disaster syndrome isolation phase marked by passivity, denial &repression, altruistic phase, euphoric phase and ambivalent phase

Purpose of Psychological Preparation

Prevention (strengthening of self)
1. Primary before the occurrence of problem 2. Secondary-reduction of duration of disorders 3. Tertiary reduction of impairment

Tips for Building A Healthy Personality

With the help of a psychologist (not a psychiatrist), make an objective assessment of individuals/students on important parameters of personality Train individuals/students in the art and science of relaxation, thereby their psycho spiritual aspects are strengthened

Tips (contd.,)
Help individuals/students develop healthy belief system which nurtures strong will power and determination to lead long and healthy life. This will also imply that individuals will not become victims of rumors Enable individuals/students to develop social skills which very much include communication skills

Tips (contd.,)
Nurture a well knit value system in every individual student with particular reference to morality Give training in first aid with a special focus on sharpening ones presence of mind. Let every student develop a civilized sense of humor which acts as an antidote to depression and so many other psychological problems Impart training in time management

Tips (contd.,)
Through appropriate models (generally video or sometimes live) show the students as to how they need to be alert whenever any disaster occurs. Mock training can also be attempted to make students get the feel of helping the victims; perhaps, feed back can also be given to make them perfect in their behavior while experiencing any crisis situation.

Acknowledgment