PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN SURVIVORS OF RESIDENTIAL FIRES

This paper presents preliminary findings from an ongoing study of surv ivors of residential fires. The purpose of this study was to examine p sychological distress and extent of loss in order to provide a psychol ogical profile of survivors over time. The sample (N = 69) was drawn c onsecutively from the database of residential fires available through the Philadelphia Fire Department. Levels of psychological distress wer e measured as well as reports of symptoms consistent with the diagnost ic criteria for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. The major findings ind icate that residential fires caused significant sustained distress. An agenda for further research and for services to survivors of these fi res is presented.