Cross-Sectional Data Within 1 Year of the Fukushima Meltdown: Effect-Size of Predictors for Depression

Social and Mental Health Impact of Nuclear Disaster in Survivors: A Narrative Review

This narrative review synthesizes the literature on the psychological consequences of the Three Mile Island nuclear accident of 1979, the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986, and the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011. A search was conducted on OVID for studies in English from 1966 to 2020. Fifty-nine studies were included. Living through a nuclear disaster is associated with higher levels of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Decontamination workers, those living in closest proximity to the reactor, and evacuees experience higher rates of mental health problems after a nuclear disaster. Those with greater psychological resilience and social supports experience lower rates of psychological distress. Individual-level interventions, such as mindfulness training, behavioral activation, and cognitive reappraisal training, have shown modest benefits on improving psychological wellbeing. At the population level, many of the measures in place aimed at reducing exposure to radiation actually increase individuals’ anxiety. Technology-based supports have been studied in other types of natural disasters and it may be beneficial to look at mobile-based interventions for future nuclear disasters.

Post-flood social support networks and morbidity in Jôsô City, Japan

Social support networks are considered beneficial for post-disaster survivor mental health. However, there are family and non-family networks, and support can be received or provided. Therefore, their complex contribution to wellbeing requires analysis. Researching elderly residents of Jôsô City NE of Tokyo (N = 1182 [female: n = 618], Age M = 69.76y, SD = 6.10y) who experienced severe flooding in September 2015 investigated data for mental health outcomes of depression (K6), trauma (IES-R), and existence of recent worry from evacuation and house damage. An original instrument tapped support source and direction, controlled to examine mental health symptom changes. House damage was a higher mental health predictor (η_p² = .10-.16) than evacuation (η_p² = .033-.093). Results indicated family social support may buffer mental health outcomes, but non-family social support may burden them. Overall support network size also indicated burdening compared to social support receiving-providing imbalance.

Relational Satisfaction from Providing and Receiving Support is Associated with Reduced Post-Disaster Depression: Data From Within One Year of the 2011 Japan Triple Disaster

This study examined the buffering effect of relational social support satisfaction from providing and receiving support on depression in a non-evacuated community close to the Fukushima power plant damaged by the 2011 Japan Triple Disaster. A self-selected sample (N = 466, 351 female, mean age 60.4 year, SD = 14.0) participated in an intervention program for stress reduction and evaluation within 1 year of the disaster. First, effect sizes for predictor impact and demographic variables on depression were investigated. Then, data from an original instrument tapping satisfaction from social support relations was controlled as covariates. The results showed among survivors relational satisfaction from both providing and receiving support when controlled raised the effect sizes of predictors of depression symptomology, suggesting a buffering effect. Findings highlight the possible positive mental health of self-providing support among certain post-disaster populations.

Diagnostic interview study of the prevalence of depression among public employees engaged in long-term relief work in Fukushima

AIM

The Great East Japan Earthquake and in particular, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, have had a serious psychological impact on not only residents, but also relief workers in Fukushima. Although public employees work in highly stressful situations and play a very important role in long-term relief, their psychiatric features have yet to be clarified. The two aims of this study were to identify the current prevalence rate of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among public employees working in the disaster area using diagnostic interviews, and to speculate on the psychosocial factors affecting their mental condition.

METHODS

We conducted diagnostic interviews and self-administered questionnaires with 168 public employees working in two coastal towns in Fukushima.

RESULTS

Results showed that the current prevalence of depression among public employees is as high as 17.9%, in contrast to the relatively low prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (4.8%). Based on the results of self-administered questionnaires and interview contents, frequent exposure to strong complaints or anger from residents and role conflicts were considered the cause of the high prevalence of depression.

CONCLUSION

The present study reveals the serious mental status of public employees working in Fukushima and sheds light on the urgent need to establish an efficient care network to provide adequate psychiatric intervention.