Citation

Eustace K, Macdonald C, Long N. Anxiety Stress Coping 1999; 12(3): 285-298.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10615809908250479

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The present study investigated long-term psychological effects of Cyclone Bola, which struck the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island in March, 1988. Using mailed self-report questionnaires, data was collected from 118 individuals who had been evacuated from their homes during Cyclone Bola, and/or who applied for financial aid following the disaster. The study found that, five years after the cyclone, 12% of respondents could be classified as post-traumatic stress disorder cases and 17% were classified with high psychological distress scores. The relationship between these psychological outcomes and various risk factors was examined. High post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological distress scores were significantly related to higher mean levels of emotional distress at the time of the disaster, and to greater dissatisfaction with both post-disaster assistance and social support.