Disaster Concepts In Psychology Essay

Psychology Disaster Concepts Applied to Both Events PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common result from all types of disasters, and the sinking of the Lusitania, and Hurricane Katrina affected many of the survivors in such a stressful way that they suffered and suffer from PTSD. Witnessing destruction along with losing loved ones, and seeing death all around is what survivors of both events endured. The fact that the sinking of the Lusitania happened very quickly may lead some to think that the experience was not as intense psychologically as Katrina. However, though the duration of both tragedies was quite different, many survivors walked away with emotional scars for the rest of their lives. Some stories from the survivors of the Lusitania are horrific, as their life boats would sink because they were not properly equipped for floatation, and many drowned. Reports of witnessing the mass grave the dead from the Lusitania in Chob, …show more content…
The historic phase, interestingly occurs while the disaster is happening and right afterward. The survival instinct kicks in in this phase, people frantically try to save themselves and loved ones, heroes emerge, and people begin helping others. The honeymoon phase follows, odd name as well, but makes it unforgettable, as a honeymoon should always offer promise of a bright future. In this phase people begin to feel a bond with each other because they survived the disaster, and help is promised from government agencies, and communities start to rebuild. Unfortunately, the nest phase is that of disillusionment, and can last from 2 months to 2 years. During this phase unfulfilled promises start to anger people, sense of community breaks down, and the focus turns to individuals. Finally, the reconstruction phase begins, and people begin to rebuild businesses, homes, and the pride of belonging to a community reappears (Univ.Florida