What is the Psychosocial Impact of Disasters? A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

The psychosocial impact concept improves the understanding of the effects of disasters on people and communities. However, its definition is not clear. This work explores consistencies between studies (k = 21) that refer to the psychosocial impact of disasters by way of a meta-analytic synthesis. This synthesis indicates that people are more prone to illness when they are exposed to a disaster, and less when they are protected (OR = 2.737). Please check the change conveys the intended meaning or amend Nevertheless, there are no differences in healthy responses, regardless of how protected or exposed they are (OR = 1.053). Finally, a model is proposed to explain four types of psychosocial impact: resilient, traumatic, sensitive, witness.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Acknowledgment

FONDECYT-Chile (Grant 11121330) and Banco Santander Universidades (2013).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the FONDECYT-Chile and Banco Santander Universidades under Grant 11121330.