Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina passed in August of 2015, which reminded many individuals of the devastation and destruction it left behind as well as the increased helping behaviors in the aftermath. Disaster research typically focuses on professional helpers (e.g., first responders including firemen, police officers, paramedics and military personnel). There is less research that examines the helping behaviors of disaster survivors or the average citizens who help in the immediate aftermath of an event. There is limited research that examines the relationship between the type of helping behavior, the demographics of the helper, and positive and negative outcomes of helping. The primary objective of the current study is to identify patterns of helping and examine correlates of helping in a sample of college students who experienced Hurricane Katrina. Correlates to be examined include hypothetical predictors of helping (e.g., gender and racial differences, religiosity, fraternity or sorority membership, etc.), as well as potential positive and negative consequences of helping others (e.g., symptoms of PTSD or depression, drinking behaviors 3-4 months after the event, positive well-being, etc.). Results may help in identifying individuals likely to offer assistance in natural disasters and targeting those individuals who may be at risk of experiencing negative outcomes. Furthermore, the study may have implications for understanding the positive and negative impact of those who experience natural disasters and engage in helping behaviors.

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