PSYCHOSOCIAL FIRST AID FOR SOCIAL SUPPORT: INTERVENTION CASELETS IN DISASTER CONTEXT Abstract

Social support is a known protective factor against the negative psychological impact of natural disasters. Although substantial empirical support indicates that a high level of disaster related traumatic stressor exposure and displacement independently increase the risk of psychological distress, social support reduces the risk. Social support is considered a disaster preparedness resource. It is robustly linked to improved physical and psychological health in the general population. Moreover, the influence of social support on the onset of depressive symptoms appears to be similar whether the social support is received or provided. Social support might function as a resource for disaster preparedness regardless of the size of the damage. Resilience, which is crucial for young, middle-aged, and older people to recover from adversity, is also strengthened by social support. Social assistance also increases resilience, which is crucial for adults of all ages to bounce back. This manuscript is part of the academic presentation of the corresponding author, which highlights background information about social support, theories and types of social support, a few scales to assess social support, and the lived example of disaster survivors, as well as how to enhance social support during a catastrophic situation.