Evaluation of Japanese Version of Mental Health Facilitator Program for Disaster Victims

• Project/Area Number: 26590169
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Challenging Exploratory Research
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Clinical psychology
• Research Institution: Fukuoka University
• Principal Investigator: NAGAE NOBUKAZU 福岡大学, 人文学部, 准教授 (80449959)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2016)
• Budget Amount: ¥3,640,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,800,000、Indirect Cost: ¥840,000); Fiscal Year 2016: ¥650,000 (Direct Cost: ¥500,000、Indirect Cost: ¥150,000); Fiscal Year 2015: ¥1,430,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,100,000、Indirect Cost: ¥330,000); Fiscal Year 2014: ¥1,560,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥360,000)
• Keywords: 地域援助 / 被災者支援 / メンタルヘルス / 臨床心理学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Widening of recovery gap of mental health has become a major concern in the Tohoku area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. As time passes from the disaster, the victims have been segregated into those who can reconstruct their lives and cannot restore their vital lifestyle functions. In spite of a growing need for mental health and welfare, there is a chronic shortage of the professional resources in the affected area. This study evaluates the efficacy and problems of Mental Health Facilitator (MHF) Program applied for the relatively healthy victims. The new approach is attempted to promote mutual support and mental health in the affected area.