Reliability of delayed self-reports in disaster research

✍ Scribed by Fran H. Norris; Krzysztof Kaniasty

• Book ID: 102926786
• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1992
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 689 KB
• Volume: 5
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0894-9867
• DOI: 10.1002/jts.2490050407

✦ Synopsis

In studies of traumatic stress, researchers often find themselves asking questions about an event and its aftermath long after the crisis has passed. The purpose of this study was to assess the reliabiliy of these delayed self-reports. In January, 1990, 65 residents of Charleston, SC, were interviewed by telephone about their experiences following Hunicane Hugol which had devastated the area on September 22, 1989. The interview included assessments of disaster-related losses, preparedness, social support received from others, and social support provided to others. In October, 1990, 53 of these persons (82% of the original sample) were reinterviewed and asked the a c t same questions. For reports of losses and preparedness, accuracy of the later reports was excellent. Both the sample and individuak showed remarkable stabiliiy over time. For measures of social supportl there was a sample tendency to recall more social support as time passed, but individuah generally rethined their same rank order. Thus, these reports were ako reliable.