International journal of emergency mental health
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In 1999, 69 people survived a maritime disaster on the Norwegian coast, during which 16 others died. Besides immediate psychosocial assistance, post-disaster intervention included psychological debriefings after one week, follow-up debriefing a month later, screening of those in need of individual help, and help for those returning to the scene of the disaster. The results of the psychometric tests showed that a considerable number of survivors scored above clinical cut-off points for extreme stress reactions. ⋯ Although the life threat and exposure in this disaster were extreme, the scores were lower than for the other studies, with one exception. The authors concluded the lower distress scores compared to other maritime disasters were probably impacted by the structured and caring system that was implemented to care for survivors. Almost all (93%) considered the debriefing meetings as helpful, and they were able to discriminate between different functions served by the meetings.
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Int J Emerg Ment Health · Jan 2003
Compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and critical incident stress management.
This study examines the potential for compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout in a sample of persons attending a workshop on Prevention of Compassion Fatigue at an international conference of providers of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) services. In the study, more than half (58%) of the respondents reported experiencing psychological reactions after providing CISM services, including an array of behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms of psychological stress. Forty percent of respondents were found to have moderate, high, or extremely high risk for compassion fatigue. ⋯ The results appear to indicate that, while the CISM practitioners recognize the stress associated with their work (as reflected in the reported symptoms), the work provides significant rewards (as measured by compassion satisfaction) that outweigh the stress and mitigate against burnout. Likewise, while 40% tested positive for compassion fatigue (or secondary traumatic stress) as a result of their empathy with CISM recipients, the rewards of the work again appear to mitigate the negative effects of the work. Implications for future research and practice are presented.
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Int J Emerg Ment Health · Jan 2002
Comparative StudyThe promotion of mental health and the prevention of mental and behavioral disorders: surely the time is right.
This article provides an overview of key issues related to promotion and prevention. It examines the increasing role mental disorders play in the global burden of disease, controversies surrounding constructs such as mental health and prevention, and the links among promotion, prevention, treatment and recovery. After discussing disorders often targeted for prevention, it enumerates principles for effective programs and examples of findings from evidence-based programs. It presents recommendations for the prevention science field and concludes with information about the worldwide response to the need for promotion and prevention services.
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In this paper, the common psychological consequences of terrorism are reviewed with implications for treatment and community intervention. The role of the mass media is discussed as is the need for early intervention is emphasized.
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Int J Emerg Ment Health · Jan 2001
Adolescent suicide and suicide contagion in three secondary schools.
This study investigated crisis intervention in three secondary schools after the suicides of five students, focusing on the relation between crisis intervention and suicide contagion. The contagion hypothesis was supported. ⋯ No new suicides took place at schools where adequate first talk-throughs and psychological debriefing were conducted by a mental health professional. Proper crisis intervention is recommended to prevent suicide contagion in schools.