In addition, individuals in the affected populations were officially categorized as “sufferers”, and came to be known colloquially as “Chernobyl victims,” a term that

was soon adopted by the mass media. This label, along with the extensive government benefits earmarked for evacuees and residents of the contaminated territories, had the effect of encouraging individuals to think of themselves fatalistically as invalids. It is known that people’s perceptions — even if false — can affect the way they feel and act. Thus, rather than perceiving themselves as “survivors,” many of those people have come to think of themselves as helpless, weak and lacking control over their future.

Renewed efforts at risk communication, providing the public and key professionals with accurate information about the health and mental health consequences of the disaster, should

be undertaken.