Technological disaster and chronic community stress

Abstract

This research examines chronic community stress associated with technological disasters using data from three case studies in the United States: a train derailment and toxic spill, a community contaminated by a superfund hazardous waste site, and an oil spill. Technological disasters are distinguished from natural diasters in terms of community impacts and recovery. Sociological and psychological research suggests that long‐term disruption and stress characterize these events. Results from the three case studies indicate the presence of chronic community stress and a relationship between perceived threat to health and level of community stress. These results are discussed in terms of the characteristics of technological disasters and the programmatic needs to mitigate their consequences.

Keywords:

• case study
• chronic stress
• community
• disaster
• environment
• psychological stress
• technological disaster