The current study examined the psychological effects of recurring earthquake aftershocks in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, which began in September 2010. Although it has been identified that exposure to ongoing adverse events such as continuing terrorist attacks generally leads to the development of increasing symptomology over time, differences in perceived controllability and blame between man-made and natural adverse events may contribute to differences in symptom trajectories. Residents of two Christchurch suburbs differentially affected by the earthquakes (N = 128) were assessed on measures of acute stress disorder, generalised anxiety, and depression, at two time points approximately 4-5 months apart, in order to determine whether symptoms intensified or declined over time in the face of ongoing aftershocks. At time 1, clinically significant levels of acute stress were identified in both suburbs, whereas clinical elevations in depression and anxiety were only evident in the most affected suburb. By time 2, both suburbs had fallen below the clinical range on all three symptom types, identifying a pattern of habituation to the aftershocks. Acute stress symptoms at time 2 were the most highly associated with the aftershocks, compared to symptoms of generalised anxiety and depression which were identified by participant reports to be more likely associated with other earthquake-related factors, such as insurance troubles and less frequent socialisation. The finding that exposure to ongoing earthquake aftershocks leads to a decline in symptoms over time may have important implications for the assessment of traumatic stress-related disorders, and provision of services following natural, as compared to man-made, adverse events.
Four strings of forest green, light green, yellow, orange and purple peace cranes.
A photograph showing Jayne Cummins in her 'red zoned' home, soon to be demolished following the series of earthquakes in Christchurch.
Ready or not for an earthquake, many former Christchurch residents have left canterbury for what they describe as more stable pastures.
New research suggests about half the Christchurch businesses which left the central city after the Canterbury earthquakes are unlikely to return.
A company helping to demolish earthquake damaged buildings in Christchurch, has come to the rescue of the heritage-listed Peterborough Centre.
For people in Christchurch who have to temporarily leave their earthquake damaged home, two housing villages are filling the accommodation gap.
Let's return to the situation in Christchurch where there have been nine earthquakes this morning, cutting power to 10 thousand homes.
The mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, has admitted the city council's handling of the September 2010 earthquake was not good enough.
Morning Report comes from Christchurch as the city remembers the devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck a year ago tomorrow.
A new temporary housing village for residents with earthquake-damaged homes in Christchurch has opened in the east of the city.
The worst of the exodus from Christchurch after last year's earthquakes is over, according to a group which studies population trends.
17 jobs have gone at the Christchurch Art Gallery, which is closed for earthquake repairs until at least June next year.
Christchurch residents made homeless by the earthquakes have made an emotional plea to the city council for 100 percent rates relief.
Part of a house, now dangerously close to the cliff edge due to rock fall during the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
Demolition site in the CBD. The cordon fence is covered with banners and signs informing customer regarding businesses post-earthquake status.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
A photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Christ's College, Rolleston Avenue. New gable end replacing one that fell in the earthquake".
A consent granted by the Christchurch City Council, providing consent to carry out earthquake repair work that may affect protected vegetation.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
A photograph of a sign on a painted piano. The photograph is captioned by Paul Corliss, "Gap Fillers, post earthquake. Woolston".
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.
The public at the Memorial Service in Hagley Park to commemorate the one year anniversary of the 22nd February earthquake.