Supercyclone in Orissa: an assessment of psychological status of survivors

Abstract

The study assessed the impact of the Orissa supercyclone on survivors' locus of control, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. The study was conducted in structured interview sessions 3 months after the supercyclone. The affected people (n = 65) who were close to the epicenter of supercyclone and lost their family members, relatives, and property, experienced more anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress than the unaffected (n = 65) who were away from the epicenter of supercyclone and had not experienced any loss. Effects of exposure remained significant with the effects of sex and neuroticism controlled. External support reduced anxiety and depression, and the amount of loss experienced by the survivors significantly increased external locus of control and anxiety.