Meaning in life and self-efficacy's relationship to depression, anxiety, and stress: A study of Mississippi coastal residents affected by the Gulf Oil Spill

On April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Platform exploded, killing 11 people and spilling approximately 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico over the following months. Disasters such as the Gulf Oil Spill affect individuals in many ways, including the possible onset of psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Because mental health effects are common following a disaster, it is important to understand potential protective factors that may decrease the risk of negative consequences related to disaster events. The presence and severity of psychological distress, as well as the method of coping, varies between individuals and is likely influenced by protective factors such as perceived meaning in life and self-efficacy. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychological effects of the Gulf Oil Spill with a sample of 1119 Mississippi coastal residents seeking mental health services in response to the event. It was found that depression, anxiety, and stress were positively associated with each other. Self-efficacy and perceived meaning in life were positively associated with each other. Additionally, psychological distress was negatively related to protective factors. It was also found that, overall, sex and race/ethnicity did not serve to change the relationship between psychological distress and protective factors. Mean comparisons found that men reported significantly greater levels of self-efficacy than women and females reported significantly greater levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. However, no significant differences were found between males and females on report of perceived meaning in life. When comparing non-White and White individuals, it was found that non-White individuals reported significantly greater anxiety and White individuals reported significantly greater self-efficacy. There were no differences in the report of depression, stress, or meaning in life. These results showed that the individuals who participated in this study experienced significant psychological distress and that protective factors may serve to buffer symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Future research on the impact of disaster on mental health should explore the types of treatment that are most effective in alleviating negative symptoms and enhancing protective factors.