Predictors of individual mental health and psychological resilience after Australia's 2019-2020 bushfires

Resilience and coping during protracted conflict: a comparative analysis of general and evacuees populations

BACKGROUND

On October 7th, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, triggering a conflict with Israel in the Gaza Strip. This ongoing war, now six months old, has also seen threats from Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as from Yemen and Iran. The precarious security situation along Israel's southern and northern borders led to extensive evacuations, with residents relocating within Israel under uncertain conditions concerning their return and property safety. This study compares resilience (societal, SR; community, CR; and individual, IR), hope, morale, distress symptoms (anxiety and depression symptoms), and perceived danger between general Hebrew-speaking adults and evacuee adults a few months post-conflict initiation.

METHODS

Data was collected using structured self-reported questionnaires focusing on resilience and coping strategies, administered through two online panel companies. The general population data was collected from January 14-21, 2024 (N = 1,360), and the evacuees' data from March 1-9, 2024 (N = 372; 133 from the north, 239 from the south).

RESULTS

Evacuees reported lower SR and CR, hope, and morale, and higher distress symptoms and perceived danger compared to the general population. No differences in IR were found. Regression analyses identified different primary predictors of SR for each group: hope for the general population and governmental support for evacuees. Additionally, IR significantly predicted outcomes only among evacuees, whereas age, religiosity, and education were significant predictors solely in the general population. One notable similarity emerged: CR served as the second most influential predictor in both samples.

CONCLUSIONS

The entire population of Israel is affected by the ongoing war, yet evacuees endure a disproportionately severe impact, with potential for increased harm as the conflict persists. The adjustment to a new wartime emergency routine is more complex for evacuees than for the general population. It is crucial for policy and decision-makers to address the distinct differences between evacuees and the general populace to effectively meet their specific needs. Yet, it should be acknowledged that the evacuees represent a heterogenic group, necessitating a detailed subdivision into subgroups to accurately assess and address their unique challenges.

Pandemic impacts and experiences after disaster in Australia: qualitative study of compound impacts following the Black Summer bushfires

BACKGROUND

The first cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia were recorded in January 2020, which was during the 'Black Summer' bushfires of 2019-20 and prior to additional disasters in some regions. Few studies have considered the compound impact of disasters and the pandemic.

AIMS

To improve understanding of the impact on mental health and well-being of the pandemic in disaster-affected communities.

METHOD

We conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 18) with community members and online focus groups (n = 31) with help providers from three regions of rural Australia affected by bushfires and the pandemic.

RESULTS

Six themes were produced: (a) 'Pulling together, pulling apart', describing experiences after bushfires and prior to impacts of the pandemic; (b) 'Disruption of the 'normal response', encompassing changes to post-disaster recovery processes attributed to the pandemic; (c) 'Escalating tensions and division in the community', describing impacts on relationships; (d) 'Everywhere you turn you get a slap in the face', acknowledging impacts of bureaucratic 'red tape'; (e) 'There are layers of trauma', highlighting intersecting traumas and pre-existing vulnerabilities; and (f) 'Where does the help come from when we can't do it?', encompassing difficulties accessing services and impacts on the helping workforce.

CONCLUSIONS

This study furthers our understanding of compound disasters and situates pandemic impacts in relation to processes of adjustment and recovery from bushfires. It highlights the need for long-term approaches to resilience and recovery, investment in social infrastructure, multi-component approaches to workforce issues, and strategies to increase mental health support and pathways across services.