Rehabilitation of Victims of Natural Disasters

摘要: Hurricane Agnes in June of 1992 swept through the southern and eastern coasts United States, leaving 117 deaths more than 15,000 injuries across five states (Arnold, 1988). These consequences are addition to three billion dollars property damage, many victims homeless unemployed. In April, 1974, Xenia, Ohio was devastated by a tornado which 30 persons died 1,000 injured. Damage estimated at 100 million Colombia, South American 1985, town Armero path volcano killed 25,000, injured thousands more, left 60,000 natural disasters, along with floods, earthquakes, fires create conditions hundreds become each year. Between 15 20 percent studied after disasters were reported have symptoms posttraumatic stress disorder (Steinglass Gerrity, 1990). Only last years mental health professionals been involved provision services wake disasters. Prior that time, disaster research focused on housing problems community organization. The field rehabilitation has not yet come grips who chronic disorders trauma. Virtually entire body empirical literature trauma associated comes from fields social work psychology. But it seems vital aware for reasons. First, counselors becoming increasingly employed sectors traditionally turf counselors. Tangentially, concerned issues such as quality life, we psychosocial adjustment is importance whose life deteriorated. Second, disabilities among common. Heart attacks well physical injury related can lead permanent disability require assistance order victim return work. Third, will encounter traumatic result inclusion these Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic Statistical Manuals (III IV). Posttraumatic often deleterious effects only person's personal but his or her vocational well. most serious deficit Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) coping stressors, especially those some similarity, initial event. As identified PTSD may be referred public private services. However, service providers must know something about provide appropriate Natural crises, crisis time-limited period psychological disequilibrium victims, precipitated sudden significant change individual situations (Cohen & Ahearn, 1980). That situation represented loss home, Laube Murphy (1985) note leads feeling insecurity vulnerability privacy treasured possessions. thrown into where they lodge themselves temporary shelters, without restrooms cooking arrangements, poor sleeping conditions. home extend employment, concomitant support income. death makes an imprint mind, taking nature guilt doing enough, fear anxiety (Figley, 1985). Horowitz (1976) pointed out denial anger frequent concomitants …