The psychological impact of exposure to floods

Abstract

A number of studies have shown a range of symptoms resulting from exposure to natural disasters such as flooding. Among these consequences, individuals may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. The aim of this study was to examine the psychological impact of flooding in the UK. A cross-sectional survey was used to investigate the psychological symptoms associated with the aftermath of the flood amongst adults living in the affected communities. A questionnaire battery including the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (trauma and symptoms associated with PTSD), Hopkins Symptom Checklist (anxiety and depression), Coping Strategies Questionnaire and a range of questions addressing sociodemographic characteristics and factors relating to the flood was administered to households in flood-affected areas. Four hundred and forty four completed questionnaires were returned. 27.9% of participants met criteria for symptoms associated with PTSD, 24.5% for anxiety and 35.1% for depression. Females had higher mean scores on PTSD, anxiety and depression than males. Most frequently reported coping strategies were rational, detached and avoidant, with the least frequent being emotional coping. Having to vacate home following flood, previous experience of flooding and poor health were associated with greater psychological distress. Detached coping appeared to be related to less distress. Although it is not possible to determine whether the symptoms were a direct consequence of the flood, symptoms of distress are a significant issue amongst communities affected by environmental events warranting further attention to prevent chronic distress.

Coping, Personality and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Nurses Affected by Super Storm Sandy

“…[6] found that women had higher scores for PTSD and anxiety than men. The current findings may be related to the small number of male nurses (n = 6) who responded to the survey.…”

“…While coping is one of the most widely studied topics, and there is much disagreement as to which coping strategies are helpful in relieving stress. Coping [6] found that emotion-focused coping was the least used form of coping six months after a flood. In the current study, two problem-focused and two emotion-focused were most frequently used, and no one type of coping was found to be largely protective of PTSD severity.…”

“…Mason et al [6] investigated the psychological impact of a flood in the United Kingdom. Criteria for PTSD were met by 27.9% of this adult sample, 24.5% for anxiety and 35.1% for depression.…”

Effects of hydrological changes on cooperation in transnational catchments: the case of the Syr Darya

“…Both flooding in itself and measures taken to e.g. prevent, defend against or mitigate floods can have a significant impact on peoples' lives, property and well-being (Mason, Andrews, & Upton, 2010;Tapsell, 2000: Tapsell, Penning-Rowsell, Tunstall, & Wilson, 2002.…”

The Relationship between Trauma due to Winter Storm Alexa, PTSD, Mental Health of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip

“…However, prolonged flooding with higher water levels and household location in closer proximity to riverbanks caused increased external stressors and decreased coping post-flood (Paul & Routray, 2010). Mason et al (2010) in a cross-sectional study investigated symptoms of distress following extensive flooding in the UK. Almost a third (27.9%) of participants scored over the threshold to be classified as potentially meeting criteria for PTSD.…”