The study used participant observational methodology to understand the
psychological reactions to the Loma Prieta Earthquake and to Hurricane
Hugo. Data was collected in two high impact areas; Watsonville, Califor
nia and McClellanville, South Carolina. Comparisons were made between
the two towns and between the two disasters. The results indicated four
psychological phases of victim psychology: confusion, coping by cogni
tive changes, displaced anger, and resolution. The first two phases lasted
longer for earthquake victims than for those suffering from the hurricane.
Differences in the two communities effected the phases of anger and res
olution.
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