Psychosocial factors in disaster recovery

Abstract

Each of us are affected by our social environment and our psychological makeup. Recent disasters in Aotearoa New Zealand have affected people living in affected areas to varying degrees. Psychosocial support involves easing psychological, social, and physical difficulties for individuals, families, whānau and communities. In an emergency it focuses on enhancing wellbeing and helping people to recover and adapt after their lives have been disrupted.

This is the third in a series of briefs designed for policy analysts. These briefs bring together research on the most effective actions after a disaster. This brief focusses on psychosocial issues that may arise immediately post-disaster and how to best address the impact and reduce ongoing distress. This period is often known as the response and initial recovery phase.

The brief encapsulates research from a wide variety of sources, researchers, and organisations, detailing key findings on psychosocial recovery in the first three months post-disaster and providing case studies to illustrate these findings. It also identifies where more research is needed.