RESPONSE
Disasters are inevitable in a natural world that is inhabited by not only human life but other organisms too. There are several things that can occur in a world full of interaction. However, despite the notion of knowing that something could go wrong, whether it’s a human caused adversity or a natural crisis there have been measures taken to enhance the quality of life for those who are experiencing disasters. Part of disaster management has a lot to do with recognizing the needs of those who are afflicted by misfortune. According to humanistic psychology, Maslow considered the fact that people’s needs are on a hierarchy, Basic needs come before other higher needs; this means food, shelter, water and the like before, love and self-actualization. In essence the psychological needs are crucial and must be attended to because traumatic events can prevent functionality in life and this could lead to mental illnesses such as PTSD and even anxiety disorders. There has to be a balance in catering for such people’s needs and situations need to be evaluated adequately (Bisson, 2007).
Response 2
Aside from proposing that human beings have the ability to resolve their problems and come up with valid solutions to their issues in order to move towards better quality living, the humanistic view according to Maslow focuses a lot on the motivation human beings have deep within them (Francis & Kritsonis, 2006). Self-efficacy is the quality of being able to work through issues with minimal guidance or help from a psychotherapist or counselor. Needs of human beings are to be handled in terms of priority especially when it comes to disaster management. For those who feel threatened by the inability to fulfill or attend to their needs, there are chances of mental disturbance and possible psychopathology.
Response 3
Disaster mental health management is a very important aspect of disaster management. The human mind is incapable of adequate function if there are things inhibiting the individual from normal function. According to the five levels of needs on Maslow’s pyramid, the very basic needs have to be taken care of before the esteem needs, aesthetic needs, or self-actualizing needs (Maslow, 1955). This makes sense because it is impossible to hear someone who has just experienced a natural disaster talk about lacking self-esteem rather than say food or a warm shelter. Patience and empathy are prerequisites for anyone interested in this field because people have a lot to share and let out because this is part of healing and wellness process.
REFERENCES
Bisson, J. I. (2007). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England), 57(6), 399–403. http://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqm069
Francis, N. H., & Kritsonis, W. A. (2006). A brief analysis of Abraham Maslow’s original writing of “Self-actualizing people: A study of psychological health.” Doctoral Forum: National Journal of Publishing and Mentoring Doctoral Student Research, 3(1), 1–7.
Maslow, A. H. (1955). Motivation and Personality. Motivation and Personality., 62–27. http://doi.org/10.1037/h0039764
