The Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and Disaster Risk Reduction: A Mapping and Review

Abstract

The field of disaster and emergency management has shifted in focus towards the goal of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). However, the degree to which the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) field has followed this trend is relatively unknown. Therefore, the objectives of this review were to identify relevant projects, materials, and publications relating to MHPSS and DRR integration and define current domains of action in this integration. A review was conducted using a two-pronged approach for data collection. This approach included 1) a mapping exercise eliciting relevant documentation and project descriptions from MHPSS actors, and 2) a database and internet literature search. The mapping exercise was conducted between January and November 2019, while the literature search was completed in March 2019. The majority of identified materials concerned actions of capacity and systems building; preparedness; policy development, consensus building, and awareness raising; school- and child-focused DRR; inclusive DRR; and resilience promotion. Results also suggested that relatively little consensus exists in terms of formal definitions of and frameworks or guidance for integrating MHPSS and DRR. Moreover, domains of action varied in terms of current implementation practices and empirical evidence. Materials and projects are reviewed and discussed in terms of implications for advancing the integration of DRR and MHPSS and expanding MHPSS approaches to include building better before emergencies.

Burnout in Spanish Security Forces during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…All situations of psychosocial risk [26][27][28][29][30], which has coincided in Spain with numerous environmental disasters such as fires and floods, could once again generate situations of maximum stress. In a very short time period, both the civilian population and the professionals who compose the FFCCS have had to face a heavy workload, with the constant threat of possible contagion by the SARS-CoV-2, without rest since March 2020.…”

Multilevel Social Mechanisms of Post-Disaster Depression

“…Recently, Gray et al [ 1 ] highlighted a clear need for guidance on developing MHPSS programming from a DRR perspective. Yet, DRR activities have not been narrowly defined and there has been a lack of evidence linking DRR activities with MHPSS.…”

“…Primary Appraisal. Primary appraisal, the perceived threat of the situation, was measured by the question “How traumatic was the flood for you at the time?” Respondents could indicate their answers on a five-point response format ranging from “not at all” [ 1 ] to “extremely” [ 5 ].…”

“…Based on the experience from these activities, a clear need emerged for guidance on developing MHPSS programming from a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) perspective. Strong arguments have been made for linking MHPSS and DRR activities and for shifting paradigms in the field of MHPSS towards preparedness and prevention, yet without much evidence based response [ 1 ]. The current study focuses on social capital as an explicit link between DRR and MHPSS.…”

The Mediating Role of Disaster Policy Implementation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development in Sierra Leone

“…This requires a harmonious action by disaster agencies to implement effective national and global disaster policy. The disaster policy frameworks of recent times include the SFDRR [25,59,81], Paris Agreement on climate change [82], Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development [83], the ACP-EU NDRR program [84], Sierra Leone Disaster Management Policy [1], and the EU Adaptation Strategy [85], which have all highlighted the importance of adaptation and DRR and the co-benefits that may arise from the aligned DPI actions [86][87][88][89]. Legal and established guidelines certainly create an enabling environment for alliances between relevant policies and policy documentations as the first step of integrating sustainable DRR policy [90].…”