honeymoon phase

The honeymoon phase in a disaster includes the following behavior... People are in an optimistic mood and persist in doing what is absolutely necessary in daily routines. Honeymoon period 4 to 6 months after a disaster when victims develop a strong sense of unity through shared experiences of a catastrophic disaster Honeymoon Phase During the week to months following a disaster, formal governmental and volunteer assistance may be readily available. Community bonding occurs as a result of sharing the catastrophic experience and the giving and receiving of community support. Survivors may experience a short-lived sense of optimism that the help they will receive will make them whole again. When disaster mental health workers are visible and perceived as helpful during this phase, they are more readily accepted and have a foundation from which to provide assistance in the difficult phases ahead.

Demographic Trends
(1970s) significant migration of Americans from the Frostbelt to the Sunbelt; South and West have experienced greatest population gains since 1970; last 25 years have witnessed a significant increase in immigration from Latin America and Asia