Baseline Exploratory Study of Marriage and Family Therapists Perceived Preparedness to Work in the Disaster Mental Health Field

Abstract

The purpose of the current exploratory baseline study was to examine the perceived preparedness of 44 current and past Marriage and Family Therapy students of COAMFTE accredited programs in working in the disaster mental health field, and to identify specific factors influencing levels of perceived preparedness. Results of the current study suggest that, in general, MFTs feel unprepared to work disaster survivors and that individual clinical activity level significantly affects perceived preparedness. Qualitative results suggest that the lack of specific training in trauma directly influences perceived preparedness. Limitations, as well as research and clinical implications are discussed.