Smooth flood insurance claim procedures can avoid exacerbating the psychological problems of victims, academics say.
Researcher Kelly Dixon, from QUT's School of Psychology and Counselling, interviewed more than 150 victims of the flood events in Brisbane (2011) and Mackay (2008).
She found three quarters of participants identified the aftermath of the disasters and dealing with insurance companies as the most difficult aspects.
"Victims' biggest complaints and stressors were around insurance company staff giving conflicting information, delays in assessing claims, not covering flooding, or not being adequately compensated for losses," Ms Dixon said.
Insurers needed to reduce the negative impacts by streamlining procedures and making sure staff are trained properly, she said.
The study also identified the time it took to repair homes as a strong predictor of depression.
This underlined the need to provide victims, who are often reluctant to ask for help as time passes, with ongoing support.
"Feedback from flood victims showed those people who had adequate practical help and emotional support were more resilient," Ms Dixon said.
But the study showed the majority of people were resilient and had not suffered long-term ill-effects.
Some had even grown from the experience, Ms Dixon's research suggested.
The findings will be presented at the Australian and New Zealand Disaster and Emergency Management Conference this month.
Queensland's most recent flooding disaster saw about 100 homes at Deception Bay, north of Brisbane, damaged during a freak downpour earlier this month.
The state government has commissioned a 12-week investigation amid suggestions a new rail link worsened the flooding.
The heavy rain, driven by an east coast low, contributed to the deaths of five people, including a five-year-old boy.
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