ICPS
2019 International Convention of Psychological Science · 2019
Impact of Disaster Evacuation Stressors on Parents' Mental Health
- Annette La Greca
University of Miami - Kaitlyn Brodar
University of Miami - BreAnne Danzi
University of Miami - Naomi Tarlow
University of Miami - Karina Silvia
Florida International University - Jonathan Comer
Florida International University
Abstract
Parents are vulnerable after disasters. Following Hurricane Irma, we evaluated parents’ (N=554) evacuation experiences as predictors of later distress. Evacuating parents felt safer but more stressed than non-evacuees. Evacuation-stressors predicted parents’ anxiety, depression, and stress controlling for demographics and hurricane-exposure. Disaster preparation must address parents’ emotional needs to reduce evacuation-stress.
Stress
