Psychosocial correlates of wildfire disaster: Post disaster adult reactions

Thirty adults' psychosocial maladjustment associated with a wildfire were systematically examined, one and a half months after a major wildfire destroyed 420 homes. The level of psychopathology was determined through the use of standardized assessment instruments, including the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and the Impact of Events Scale. Victims' individual responses were evaluated, relative to a comparison group from the same community, matched for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and fire insurance. Increased levels of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms were reported significantly more often among victims versus non-victims. Also, females more often reported greater levels of psychological symptoms than males. Parent status and previous disaster experience had no differential impact on victims' reactions. Implications are discussed in light of existing findings in this area of research.