Date of Award

6-25-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Leihua Edstrom

Second Advisor

Nahanni Freeman

Third Advisor

Kira Mauseth

Abstract

The 2023 Maui fires were one of the most fatal natural disasters the country has experienced in its history. Lāhainā and other surrounding areas were significantly impacted by the fires, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and causing significant harm to the people of Maui, both physically and emotionally. The current study evaluates the health support team (HST), a psychological disaster-recovery training curriculum, on three areas: its effectiveness in

increasing participants’ perceived competency and level of confidence, its association with post- traumatic growth, and participants’ feedback about the training. A mixed methods approach was

used to collect data, including quantitative data from the HST program evaluation and the Post- Traumatic Growth Inventory and qualitative data from an open-ended survey question about

adherence and adaptation to the cultural values of Hawaii. The results of this study support existing research on effective community engagement and culturally informed interventions. Following HST training, participants rated trainer credibility, organization, and the trainer’s ability to keep attendees’ attention highly. Although HST skills represented a change in current practice for many participants, they reported increases in their skill competence on average compared to baseline, along with moderate confidence in supporting others with the HST skills. Participants’ post-traumatic growth was moderately correlated with ratings of the trainer’s credibility and confidence in applying what they learned. Lastly, participants provided both general and specific feedback and recommendations for program refinement, including cultural adaptations. Future implications for training design, cultural integration, sustainability, and flexibility are discussed.

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