Natural Disaster Preparation by Licensed Clinical Social Workers Providing Mental Health Interventions to Vulnerable Populations
Date of Conferral
11-1-2023
Degree
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School
Social Work
Advisor
Lakisha Bell
Abstract
Extreme weather events can devastate the social, physical, and emotional health of individuals and communities. Vulnerable populations are at risk for loss during natural disasters, and poverty exacerbates the impact of traumatic stress and has long-term impacts on physical and mental health. Disaster preparedness planning is critical for assisting individuals who rely on mental health services provided by clinical social workers. Limited evidence-based research exists on how licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) prepare to provide mental health services before an extreme weather event. A qualitative action research study guided by Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior was conducted to explore the disaster preparedness experiences of eight LCSWs in human services agencies in southwest Florida. Data were collected through semistructured individual interviews. Coding and thematic analysis of the data were employed to answer the research questions. Implementing thematic analysis results from this study yielded four themes: (a) practice setting influenced the implementation of the disaster preparedness plan, (b) planned to address clients’ overall well-being, (c) anticipated barriers and considered how to ensure continuity of services, and (d) collaborated with colleagues. These themes capture how LCSWs prepared to provide services during a natural disaster and how the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics influenced their planning. The findings of this study could have implications for positive social change by fostering the development of social work interventions that reduce traumatic stress for vulnerable populations who are economically and geographically at risk during natural disasters.
Recommended Citation
KRUSE, ANTOINETTE M., "Natural Disaster Preparation by Licensed Clinical Social Workers Providing Mental Health Interventions to Vulnerable Populations" (2023). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15056.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15056
