Providing psychological intervention following traumatic events: understanding and managing psychologists’ own stress reactions

Psychologists’ response to crises: International perspectives

Tragically, for many schools, the possibility of a crisis such as a natural disaster, extreme violence or a potentially traumatising threat has become a reality. Specialist input from a local psychology service is often sought at such a time. To help one service within the United Kingdom (UK) learn from the experience of other psychologists a survey was constructed and subsequently completed by 277 psychologists from around the world including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Scandinavia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and USA. The survey provides insight into the experience of psychologists in responding to crises, for example, the nature of the crises, the extent of collaboration with others, the level of training undertaken, and the level of confidence psychologists have in this area of work. Of particular interest are the models, resources, and theories that psychologists have used and the advice that they have found helpful. A number of international comparisons are made. The survey findings suggest that collaboration is seen as highly important to effective practice. Attention is also drawn to the important work that the International Crisis Response Network of the International School Psychology Association (ISPA) is undertaking in promoting an integrated model of practice.