Description
This authoritative book will be of interest to anyone involved in studying the mental health consequences of large-scale traumatic events or in measuring the effectiveness of postdisaster interventions. The book considers disasters from different perspectives and translates their chaotic aftermath into feasible research ideas and approaches. Contributing authors, all experienced researchers and practitioners, present a wide range of methods and strategies used in epidemiology, program evaluation, and public mental health planning in the aftermath of natural or technological disasters and terrorism. Descriptions of exemplary studies bring to life the associated logistical and scientific challenges and show how these challenges can be addressed using high-quality research designs.
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Along with other experts on the health consequences of disasters, Norris (psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School; National Center for PTSD; National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Response to Terrorism) et al. introduce gaps in research in the field, e.g., its atheoretical nature. Primarily writing for novice researchers, the authors offer a balanced review of the logistical, methodological, ethical, and cultural challenges of such research. Examples of successful evidence-based approaches to treating traumatic stress presented include a training program for New York clinicians following the 9/11/01 attacks. Implications for planning, policy, and service delivery are discussed. Appendices summarize disasters cited in the text and literature search strategies. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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