Authors : Brian F. Madrid; Diorelie Herrero-Dichoso; Marcelina Roda R. Caroche; Cynthia D. Borromeo; Kisshia Mae B. Guillermo

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 2 - February

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ysffdady

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/46ah6njc

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb1532

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Disasters leave scars, both visible and invisible. This research delves into the heart of post-disaster recovery, exploring the community's needs and perceptions regarding Psychological First Aid (PFA). By understanding these crucial elements, we aim to optimize PFA delivery, fostering resilience and healing in the aftermath of tragedy. Our findings will inform targeted interventions, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most, contributing to a more comprehensive and effective disaster response. This study explores the crucial role of Psychological First Aid (PFA) in post-disaster recovery by examining the community's needs and perceptions. Disasters, while often addressed through physical aid, also inflict significant psychological trauma. Effective recovery necessitates understanding the community's mental health needs and how they perceive the support offered. This research investigates these critical aspects, aiming to identify gaps in current PFA provision and understand community perspectives on its effectiveness and accessibility. Through [mention your research methods, e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups] conducted with [mention your target community], the study gathers data on perceived needs, preferred modes of support, and barriers to accessing PFA. The findings will inform the development of more tailored and culturally sensitive PFA programs, ultimately contributing to improved mental health outcomes and community resilience in the aftermath of disaster. This research emphasizes the importance of community involvement in shaping post-disaster mental health services, ensuring that support is relevant, accessible, and effectively addresses the psychological impact of disasters. Disasters, whether natural or human-induced, are devastating events that disrupt lives, destroy infrastructure, and leave lasting scars on individuals and communities. While the immediate aftermath often focuses on providing essential physical aid – shelter, food, water, and medical care – the psychological toll of such events can be equally profound and far-reaching. Beyond the visible destruction, disasters often trigger a cascade of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, and a general sense of unease and vulnerability. Addressing these psychological wounds is as crucial as addressing physical injuries for effective and holistic recovery. This recognition has led to the increasing emphasis on Psychological First Aid (PFA) as a vital component of disaster response. PFA is a humane, supportive, and practical approach to assisting individuals and communities in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. It involves providing compassionate support, reducing distress, and helping individuals to cope with the immediate impact of the event. Unlike traditional mental health therapy, PFA does not require specialized clinical training and can be delivered by a wide range of individuals, including trained lay responders, community health workers, first responders, and even family members and neighbors. The core principles of PFA include promoting a sense of safety, calming and comforting those affected, connecting individuals with practical assistance and support, and helping them to access information and resources. By providing timely and appropriate psychological support, PFA can help to prevent the escalation of distress into more severe mental health problems and facilitate the natural healing process. However, the effectiveness of PFA hinges on its relevance and accessibility to the affected community. A "one-sizefits-all" approach is unlikely to be successful, as different communities have unique cultural contexts, pre-existing mental health conditions, and varying perceptions of mental health support. Understanding the specific needs and perceptions of the community regarding PFA is crucial for designing and implementing effective programs. This includes exploring questions such as: What are the most pressing psychological needs of the community following a disaster? How do community members perceive the role and value of PFA? What are the preferred methods of receiving psychological support? What are the barriers to accessing PFA services? Are there specific cultural considerations that need to be taken into account? This research aims to address these critical questions by exploring the community's needs and perceptions regarding PFA post-disaster. By centering the community's voice and experience, this study seeks to provide valuable insights for improving the delivery and effectiveness of PFA programs. The research will investigate perceived needs, preferred support mechanisms, barriers to access, cultural considerations within the context of flooding and storm signals. The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological impact of disasters and inform the development of more tailored and culturally sensitive PFA interventions. Ultimately, this research aims to empower communities to better cope with the psychological aftermath of disasters and build greater resilience in the face of future challenges. By understanding the community's perspective, we can ensure that PFA reaches those who need it most and contributes to a more holistic and effective disaster recovery process.

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