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Inauguration of the first Psychological Support Center for Disaster Victims in Korea
Author(s) -
Bae Jeongyee,
Kim KeyYong,
Panuncio Rosel L.,
Choi Namhee,
Im SookBin
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
nursing and health sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.563
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1442-2018
pISSN - 1441-0745
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2009.00480.x
Subject(s) - government (linguistics) , mental health , disaster area , center (category theory) , psychology , political science , psychiatry , geography , philosophy , linguistics , chemistry , meteorology , crystallography
Disasters can strike uncontrollably whenever or wherever, leaving horrendous marks of physical and psychological damage on people upon their passing. Asia remains the most widely affected area of the world, with high death tolls, casualties, and economic losses recorded in past years. In fact, a developed country like South Korea incurs huge deficits from disaster‐related adversities. Restoration efforts and assistance for disaster survivors are generously provided by the Korean government. However, it is only recently that cases of postdisaster mental problems have been given attention. This article argues that, although material relief helps disaster victims to regain their physical losses, it is equally important to aid their psychological needs to prevent long‐term mental health problems. This article highlights Korea's first regional Psychological Support Center for disaster victims, which can be accessed online. With this Center, the country continues to strive in providing her people with holistic approaches to further enhance each citizen's quality of life.