Date of Award

3-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Justin D. Delorit, PhD

Abstract

This research establishes a novel agent-based modeling framework to establish the linkage between disaster-induced facility damage and mental health outcomes and the evaluation of treatment methods within the civilian and USAF mental health spheres. The study models the degradation and recovery of agent mental health using simulated data and evaluates the efficacy of three distinct treatment approaches through statistical methods. The methodology integrate agent-based modeling with resilient engineering concepts to simulate mental health resilience curves based on vulnerability, exposure, and facility damage. Agents’ mental health indices were tracked through phases of degradation, stagnation, and recovery based on the three treatments and their associated parameters. The results indicate that civilian and USAF mental health treatment protocols were effective for broad populations but exhibited variability based on resource availability. A novel, cyclically staged treatment method showed promise for severely impacted agents, though it required longer treatment times. This research contributes a novel framework combining infrastructure and mental health dynamics. Future research areas include the expanse of the agent-based modeling within the framework and additional treatment modification to highlight more optimal treatment protocols.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-25-M-094

Comments

An embargo was observed for this posting.

Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited. PA case number 88ABW-2025-0280

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