Main description:

This contributed volume examines the intersection of trauma and disaster behavioral health from a lifespan perspective, filling a critical gap in the literature on disaster mental health research. In the chapters, the contributors evaluate behavioral data of adults exposed to various environmental events in both the United States (i.e., the 2017 Hurricanes Irma in Florida and Harvey in Houston) and abroad (i.e., missile fire in the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict). Contributors also suggest future directions, practices, and policies for trauma and disaster response.

The three parts of the book provide an overview of disaster behavioral health across the lifespan, propose practical applications of research theories to psychosocial problems resulting from disasters and trauma, and evaluate disaster and trauma interventions from a macro-level perspective. Topics explored among the chapters include:

Integrating Trauma-Informed Principles into Disaster Behavioral Health Targeting Older Adults
Cultural Competence and Disaster Mental Health
When Disasters Strike: Navigating the Challenges of "Sudden Science"
Frameworks of Recovery: Health Caught at the Intersection of Housing, Education, and Employment Opportunities After Hurricane Katrina
Substance Use Issues and Behavioral Health After a Disaster
Psychosocial Recovery After Natural Disaster: International Advocacy, Policy, and Recommendations

The Intersection of Trauma and Disaster Behavioral Health is a vital resource for researchers whose expertise covers the domains of trauma, health and wellness, and natural and technological disasters. The book also is a useful supplement to graduate courses in psychology, sociology, social work, disaster science, human ecology, and public health.

Contents:

Introduction - The Intersection of Trauma and Disaster Behavioral Health.- Section I. Theory and Overview.- A Trauma-Informed Approach to Disaster Behavioral Health.- Overview on Trauma and Resilience.- PTSD-Depression Comorbidity and Health Among Older Adults Exposed to Missile Attacks: The Buffering Effect of Young Subjective Age.- Compassion Fatigue in the Disaster Response Workforce.- Traumatic Grief in Disasters.- Section II. Direct Practice.- Cultural Competence and Disaster Mental Health.- Disaster Stress and Health after Multiple Disasters.- Role of Trauma-Informed Care in Disasters.- Social Support and Psychological Health of Adults.- Evidence-Based Treatments for Direct Practice Post-Disaster.- Role of Nursing in Disaster Mental Health Response.- Section III. Policy and Community Practice.- Resiliency from a Community Perspective.- Promoting Disasters Behavioral Health Policy.- Interdisciplinary Considerations of Community Wellness Post-Disaster.- Educating Professionals for Disaster Work.- Conclusion - Controversies in Trauma and Disaster Behavioral Health: Future Directions for Research and the Field.