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Meaning in Positive and Existential Psychology pp 251–267Cite as

Perceived Meaning and Disaster Mental Health: A Role for Logotherapy in Clinical-Disaster Psychology

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Abstract

Disaster mental health, also known as clinical-disaster psychology, is an emerging area of interest among researchers and clinicians as it is important to understand the impact disaster events have on an individual’s mental health. Research within disaster events is necessary to allow researchers and clinicians to be better prepared for future disaster. Logotherapy is a meaning-based approach developed by Viktor Frankl that fits well with clinical-disaster psychology. Logotherapy assists disaster survivors in developing a sense of personal meaning as well as promoting posttraumatic growth. This chapter serves to provide a background in the areas of disaster mental health and logotherapy. Additionally, examples of personal experiences in research and practice in the field of clinical-disaster psychology, with the incorporation of logotherapeutic concepts, are shared.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The views throughout this chapter reflect the views of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of the agencies, organizations, and institutions that are mentioned herein. “I” is used to reference Schulenberg’s experiences, while “we” is used to refer to the authors collectively.

  2. 2.

    Research and clinical work should only be conducted by those appropriately and thoroughly trained, and through appropriate channels. For example, the research described throughout this chapter, as related to my personal experience, was performed by those trained in the research process, either experienced professionals or graduate students working under supervision, with procedures approved by the relevant Institutional Review Board. Clinical work referenced throughout this chapter, as related to personal experience, was conducted either by a licensed psychologist, or clinical graduate students working under clinical supervision. It is of paramount importance when conducting research or clinical work to ensure professional and ethical competence and integrity at all times.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Mississippi, 207 Peabody Building, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA

    Stefan E. Schulenberg, Christopher F. Drescher & Brandy J. Baczwaski

Authors
  1. Stefan E. Schulenberg
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  2. Christopher F. Drescher
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  3. Brandy J. Baczwaski
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Correspondence to Stefan E. Schulenberg .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria

    Alexander Batthyany

  2. Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel

    Pninit Russo-Netzer

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Schulenberg, S.E., Drescher, C.F., Baczwaski, B.J. (2014). Perceived Meaning and Disaster Mental Health: A Role for Logotherapy in Clinical-Disaster Psychology. In: Batthyany, A., Russo-Netzer, P. (eds) Meaning in Positive and Existential Psychology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0308-5_15

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