Main description:

Readers will not only learn the most prominent approaches to providing psychosocial relief to disaster survivors, but also understand the historical contexts and influences that have led to the current state of disaster psychology.

Designed to be strong in research and case studies yet relatively compact, books in the Essentials of Psychology and Health series provide a comprehensive introduction to a subfield in one of the disciplines. Disaster psychology has emerged from a variety of sources representing both clinical and community psychology, as well as sociology, anthropology, psychiatry, politics, human rights, and humanitarian relief policies and practices. This book provides a comprehensive description and developmental history of the disparate threads from which this field of research and practice has been woven.

Included is a discussion of the many challenges and controversies faced by those who have pursued a Western and mostly secular perspective on conducting research among disaster-affected communities, and on providing psychosocial interventions for the potential benefit of disaster survivors.

Standing in contrast to most of the literature on these subjects, it provides a brief and integrative summary of the field rather than an extensive array of chapters on related subjects or the promotion of a particular approach to intervention.

Illuminates through case studies how the concepts and foundations of disaster psychology were formed and interventions applied to mitigate psychosocial consequences

Describes the field's major contributions and the most important disasters influencing its development

Illuminates hidden conflicts and controversies around providing psychosocial aid in disasters

Highlights the political and cultural issues that complicate providing psychosocial support cross-culturally

Illustrates how disasters have defined many of the most memorable deflection points in human history