Date

10-27-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health

Department

Human Services

Abstract

This research paper’s goal was to examine the extent and impact of tornado-related PTSD on individual and community levels in relation to factors such as property damage, mass displacement, cumulative trauma, and seasonal retraumatization. The United States has the most tornado touchdowns globally, placing communities in supercell-prone areas, including Tornado Alley, at higher risk of repeated storm trauma that can affect emotional well-being, sense of safety, and overall financial security (Strader et al., 2024). This researcher utilized a comprehensive literature review approach to examine rates of PTSD, the long-term effects of tornado recovery, the risk of community-level trauma, and to introduce potential resiliency considerations. These areas of resiliency, such as social support, community connection, and access to resources, were shown to influence the severity of PTSD and the time of recovery (First et al., 2018). Post-traumatic growth (PTG) was also examined to better understand how trauma and resiliency can coincide. Specific emphasis was placed on raising awareness and deeper understanding of community-level PTSD to help improve emergency response planning at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The author called for further research on residents affected by tornadoes and other severe weather events in the United States, including more longitudinal studies on community-level resiliency following tornado impacts and encouraging equity in resource distribution.

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