Which factor increases the risk of developing a chronic stress response following a disaster?

A disaster that was purposefully caused by a person or group often results in a higher risk of developing a chronic stress response. This is primarily due to the perceived intentionality behind the event, which can lead to feelings of betrayal, insecurity, and helplessness among the affected individuals. When a disaster is human-made, victims may grapple with anger, confusion, and anxiety regarding the motives and actions of those responsible. Such emotional turmoil can make recovery more complex and prolonged, leading to longer-lasting stress responses.

In contrast, naturally occurring disasters, even if they have devastating outcomes, are often perceived as events beyond human control. This can lead to different coping mechanisms, as individuals may focus more on collective recovery rather than personal betrayal or violation. Disasters with minimal impact or those that affect small geographic areas typically do not generate the same level of psychological strain, as communities may recover quickly and support networks remain intact. Similarly, disasters that do not result in loss of life tend to have lower psychological repercussions, as the absence of death often mitigates the fear and trauma associated with such events.