A scoping review on the mental health of disaster responders for natural disasters in Japan.

Abstract

This study addressed a significant gap in the literature on disaster responders' mental health. Numerous studies have examined disaster victims' mental health. However, reviews on the mental health of disaster responders are limited. Thus, this study reviewed the existing literature and clarified the mental health effects according to disaster type and occupation in Japan. The PubMed, CiNii, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PsycInfo databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were natural disasters in Japan and reports on the mental health status of disaster support workers. The search period was from 1997 to 2025. Among 664 studies, 55 met the inclusion criteria. The research methods included 39 cross-sectional and 16 longitudinal studies. Various types of disasters were identified. The main reported mental health symptoms were post-traumatic stress state (PTSS) and psychological distress. The prevalence of and factors contributing to worsening PTSS and psychological distress varied across occupations. PTSS and psychological distress were relatively high among medical personnel, local government employees, and nuclear power plant workers and relatively low among firefighters and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force personnel. Several personal, disaster-related, and occupational factors were identified as exacerbating PTSS and psychological distress. These included home damage, experiences of discrimination and abuse, long working hours, lack of rest, and poor workplace communication. The prevalence rates and identified stressors should be used to enhance training and preparedness measures during peacetime.