Challenges for Disaster Research: Recommendations for Planning and Implementing Disaster Mental Health Studies

Disaster research has evolved from an immature science to one where more complex questions need to be asked. Theoretically sophisticated research to help answer critical questions is needed. Contemporary disaster research is often instigated with a sense of emergency in response to the tragedy of specific events. This article provides an in-depth discussion of several relevant factors to consider when developing research programs in the aftermath of disaster. This is not a review of the entire literature on disaster recovery. The material presented is intended to help influence the types of questions asked, the research approaches taken, and the analytic techniques considered.