Sattler, D. N., Sattler, J. M., Kaiser, C., Hamby, B. A., Adams, M., Love, L., Winkler,
J. M., Abu-Ukkaz, C., Watts, B., & Beatty, A. (1995).
Hurricane Andrew: Psychological distress among shelter victims.
International Journal of Stress Management, 2, 133-143
Abstract
This study examined psychological distress and functioning among Hurricane Andrew victims who lost their homes and were living in shelters. Four and one-half weeks after Hurricane Andrew struck southern Florida, 89 (45 men, 44 women) African Americans, Latino Americans, and whites completed a questionnaire. The questionnaire asked for information about psychological and psychophysiological symptoms, use of mental health services, coping responses, and extent of preparation for the storm. The findings suggest that loss of home and property were related to distress and depression. About one-quarter of the sample were moderately depressed. Over one-third of the sample reported experiencing psychological and psychophysiological distress. Approximately one-half of the participants did not take the hurricane warning seriously. White participants began preparing earlier for the storm, and evacuated their homes more frequently than did African American participants. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.