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Blog of the California Institute for Water Resources | Univ of California | Ag & Natural Resources
Comments:
by Dan Macon
on April 24, 2018 at 11:35 AM
Great post, and very useful information for anyone who is helping a community cope with a natural resource-based disaster. I'm curious as to whether there are any differences in the psychological stress experienced in slow-moving crises (like drought, for example).  
 
Thanks for posting!
Reply by Faith Kearns
on April 25, 2018 at 10:44 AM
Thank you for reading, Dan. I think this is a really important question and one that we had briefly touched on in our original interview, but here is an updated response from Dr. Kia-Keating:  
 
"In terms of what are often characterized as "slow-moving disasters," such as droughts, the secondary stressors are critical to attend to because they are related but may be more subtle as they arise while the drought progresses: for example, increased airborne dust and pollution, increased risk for diseases related to poor hygiene due to lower access to fresh water, food insecurity issues, etc. In addition, because of the drought, individuals, families, and communities may lose some of the protective factors that they might normally rely upon, particularly social support, because there are increased strains on community connections under increasingly adverse conditions, and networks and families may be forced to separate due to a depressed economy and need for some members to migrate to seek out resources and opportunities. Based on the research, many of the outcomes that have been studied do overlap with what you might see as a result of a so-called 'fast-moving disaster,' such as increased tension, stress, uncertainty, anxiety and depression. It's important for us to continue to examine these issues empirically, so we can improve our prevention and intervention efforts."
by Lesli Lee
on April 7, 2021 at 6:05 PM
Now reading this as part of UC Climate Stewards Program April 2021 at Pepperwood Preserve. Excellent interview and article with important points for learning about ourselves, our responses to trauma and our capacities for resilience and support. Thank you.
Reply by Faith Kearns
on April 8, 2021 at 8:54 AM
Thank you for letting us know that this was useful, much appreciated.
 
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