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Social networks and posttraumatic stress symptoms five to ten years after the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster

Author

Listed:
  • Fukasawa, Maiko
  • Umeda Taniguchi, Maki
  • Akiyama, Tsuyoshi
  • Horikoshi, Naoko
  • Yasumura, Seiji
  • Yabe, Hirooki
  • Suzuki, Yuriko
  • Bromet, Evelyn J.
  • Kawakami, Norito

Abstract

Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, multiple social network disruptions have been reported among the community in Fukushima, while posttraumatic stress symptoms among the residents have persisted. In this study, we aimed to explore the influence of time and social networks on the recovery of posttraumatic stress symptoms based on longitudinal data from community residents in Fukushima, following up five to ten years after the nuclear power plant accident. We conducted five questionnaire surveys quasi-annually, the targets of which were randomly sampled 4900 non-evacuee community residents. In this study, the data of 1809 respondents who participated in at least one survey were used (36.9% of the initial target). Setting posttraumatic stress symptoms as the outcome, we examined the interaction between time and social network size using a mixed model, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and disaster-related events. Their interaction was statistically significant, and the posttraumatic stress symptoms of those with small social networks persisted, while those with larger social networks recovered. Maintaining and promoting social networks may contribute to mental health recovery after a nuclear disaster.

Suggested Citation

  • Fukasawa, Maiko & Umeda Taniguchi, Maki & Akiyama, Tsuyoshi & Horikoshi, Naoko & Yasumura, Seiji & Yabe, Hirooki & Suzuki, Yuriko & Bromet, Evelyn J. & Kawakami, Norito, 2024. "Social networks and posttraumatic stress symptoms five to ten years after the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 357(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:357:y:2024:i:c:s0277953624006427
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117189
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sone, Toshimasa & Nakaya, Naoki & Sugawara, Yumi & Tomata, Yasutake & Watanabe, Takashi & Tsuji, Ichiro, 2016. "Longitudinal association between time-varying social isolation and psychological distress after the Great East Japan Earthquake," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 152(C), pages 96-101.
    2. Maiko Fukasawa & Maki Umeda & Tsuyoshi Akiyama & Naoko Horikoshi & Seiji Yasumura & Hirooki Yabe & Yuriko Suzuki & Evelyn J. Bromet & Norito Kawakami, 2022. "Worry about Radiation and Its Risk Factors Five to Ten Years after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Morris, Katherine Ann & Deterding, Nicole M., 2016. "The emotional cost of distance: Geographic social network dispersion and post-traumatic stress among survivors of Hurricane Katrina," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 56-65.
    4. Sarah R Lowe & Ethan J Raker & Mary C Waters & Jean E Rhodes, 2020. "Predisaster predictors of posttraumatic stress symptom trajectories: An analysis of low-income women in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, October.
    5. Raker, Ethan J. & Lowe, Sarah R. & Arcaya, Mariana C. & Johnson, Sydney T. & Rhodes, Jean & Waters, Mary C., 2019. "Twelve years later: The long-term mental health consequences of Hurricane Katrina," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
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