Environmental Health Perspectives 105, Supplement 6, December 1997

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Comments on the Psychosocial Aspects of the International Conference on Radiation and Health

Julie Cwikel

Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba, Israel

Abstract
Summary comments on the psychosocial aspects of the International Conference on Radiation and Health highlighted the issues that were salient in the conference. There was a broad consensus that long-term psychosocial effects may turn out to be the most significant source of morbidity. In addressing health concerns there is a need to consider psychological responses, as they may be the source of the high rate of morbidity and use of health services. The public's response to radiation is one of anxiety, fear, and concerns about lack of control over modern technology. Aside from stress there may be alternative mechanisms that explain the high rates of morbidity, such as direct biological effects of radiation on the cardiovascular system. The issue of social stigma is not addressed in most studies of affected populations but may be a potent social force. There is a need for concerned scientists to reach a better consensus about the health effects of radiation and to communicate effectively with the lay public. We need more cross-cultural research on psychosocial aspects and how to more effectively help affected populations. There are auspicious beginnings in this direction. -- Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 6):1607-1608 (1997)

Key words: radiation, morbidity, psychosocial effects, social stigma, Chernobyl

This paper is based on a presentation at the International Conference on Radiation and Health held 3-7 November 1996 in Beer Sheva, Israel. Abstracts of these papers were previously published in Public Health Reviews 24(3-4):205-431 (1996). Manuscript received at EHP 3 September 1997; accepted 11 September 1997.

Address correspondence to Dr. J. Cwikel, Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer Sheba, Israel. Telephone: 927 7 647232. Fax: 927 7 6472933. E-mail: jcwikel@bgumail.bgu.ac.il

Abbreviation used: HPA, hypothalmic-pituitary- adrenal axis.

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