Challenges for Disaster Research: Recommendations for Planning and Implementing Disaster Mental Health Studies

Abstract

Disaster research has evolved from an immature science to one where more complex questions need to be asked. Theoretically sophisticated research to help answer critical questions is needed. Contemporary disaster research is often instigated with a sense of emergency in response to the tragedy of specific events. This article provides an in-depth discussion of several relevant factors to consider when developing research programs in the aftermath of disaster. This is not a review of the entire literature on disaster recovery. The material presented is intended to help influence the types of questions asked, the research approaches taken, and the analytic techniques considered.

Alexander McFarlane's work is supported by National Health and Medical Research Council Grant #300403.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Charles C. Benight

Charles Benight joined the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs from University of Miami, where he completed his postdoctoral training in behavioral medicine. Dr. Benight earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Stanford University with an emphasis in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine in June 1992. In 1999, Dr. Benight founded and became the director of the CU-Trauma, Health and Hazards Center. Dr. Benight has published extensively on disaster recovery and is currently an Associate Editor for the Journal of Traumatic Stress. He is a Senior Mentor for Disaster Research for a program funded through the National Institute for Mental Health. His work has been funded through the National Science Foundation and the National Institute for Mental Health.

Alexander C. McFarlane

Alexander McFarlane is currently the head of the University of Adelaide Node of the Centre of Military and Veterans Health. He is an international expert in the field of the impact of disasters and post traumatic stress disorder. He is a Past President of both the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. He is the recipient for the Robert Laufer Award for outstanding scientific achievement in the study of the effects of traumatic stress. Professor McFarlane is currently the Senior Adviser in Psychiatry to the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. He holds the rank of Group Captain in the RAAF specialist reserve. He has acted as an advisor to many groups in post disaster situations, including the Kuwait Government, and the United Nations. He has lectured and run workshops in Europe, United States of America, Asia and South Africa.