Psychosocial Support after Natural Disasters in Iceland: Implementation and Utilization

To date, increased attention has focused on how early psychological support after trauma may reduce suffering and limit the chronicity of psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few studies have assessed the reach or effectiveness of post-disaster interventions. The population of Iceland is frequently exposed to natural disasters and since 1995 extensive psychosocial support has been provided to disaster survivors in the country. The aim of this study is to assess the implementation, utilization, and perception of psychosocial support offered in the wake of three natural disasters in Iceland and to assess the association between utilization of support and PTSD symptoms.