Behavioral activation is associated with post-disaster mental health: Secondary longitudinal analysis from a population-based study

ObjectiveInterventions in post-disaster environments may be accelerated by identifying protective behavioral factors adding incremental value to models of psychopathology using longitudinal methods. One protective behavior applicable to post-disaster contexts is behavioral activation (BA). BA is defined here as a behavioral pattern involving presence of valued activity engagement. While relevant post-disaster, the incremental value of BA behaviors in predicting longitudinal post-disaster outcomes is not well understood. We hypothesized that higher baseline engagement in behaviors consistent with a BA framework would predict decreased posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, depression symptom severity, and sleep disturbance approximately 3, 6, and 12 months after hurricane survivors completed baseline measures.MethodsThe current study is a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial of a disaster mental health digital intervention. Participants completed surveys at baseline and approximately 3, 6, and 12 months post-enrollment. Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were calculated following data screening to predict PTSD symptom severity, depression symptom severity, and sleep disturbances.ResultsControlling for alcohol use, prior trauma, displacement, and intervention condition, higher baseline BA consistently predicted less PTSD symptom severity, depression symptom severity, and sleep disturbances.ConclusionResults suggest that post-disaster interventions should consider addressing BA. The study provides evidence that BA is potentially an important protective factor longitudinally predicting sleep disturbances and psychopathology after natural disasters.