ABSTRACT
Students of this question are sharply divided on what they see as the psychological effects of community disasters. A minority argues that mental health effects are widespread, deep, persistent, long lasting, and dysfunctional with the negative consequences similar to what can be seen in other stress situations. The majority argues that while there are immediate widespread effects, much of the reaction is surface, nonpersistent, of short duration, not behaviorally dysfunctional, and that there can be significant positive psychological effects. The two positions, as well as supporting data and reasoning are evaluated, and policy implications are explored in this chapter.
