Patterns of psychological responses after a tornado: The effect of age and losses

Zhen Cong, Jianjun Luo, Daan Liang, Yin Liu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this study the patterns of psychological responses and their association with economic losses and individuals' age were examined with a sample of respondents who experienced a devastating tornado in Joplin in 2011, which killed more than 160 people. The sample included 39 respondents mainly recruited from two major shelters in the aftermath of the storm. The latent class analysis identified three types of psychological responses, namely, those who experienced a low level of negative effects and a low level of psychological growth (G1), those who experienced a high level of negative effects and a high level of psychological growth (G2), and those who experienced a moderate level of negative effects and a high level of psychological growth (G3). Results from multinomial logistic regression showed that greater losses were associated with higher likelihood of membership in G3 than G1, but this effect was buffered by age. For the same amount of losses, older persons were less likely to have stronger psychological responses, both positive and negatively. These findings will provide useful guidance for federal and state agencies on improving effective disaster response and treatment strategies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication12th Americas Conference on Wind Engineering 2013, ACWE 2013
Subtitle of host publicationWind Effects on Structures, Communities, and Energy Generation
Pages1229-1236
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2013
Event12th Americas Conference on Wind Engineering 2013: Wind Effects on Structures, Communities, and Energy Generation, ACWE 2013 - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: Jun 16 2013Jun 20 2013

Publication series

Name12th Americas Conference on Wind Engineering 2013, ACWE 2013: Wind Effects on Structures, Communities, and Energy Generation
Volume2

Conference

Conference12th Americas Conference on Wind Engineering 2013: Wind Effects on Structures, Communities, and Energy Generation, ACWE 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period06/16/1306/20/13

Keywords

  • Disaster
  • Post-traumatic growth
  • Tornado
  • Traumatic experience

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