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Bosmans MWG, Plevier C, Schutz F, Stene LE, Yzermans CJ, Dückers MLA. The impact of a terrorist attack: Survivors’ health, functioning and need for support following the 2019 Utrecht tram shooting 6 and 18 months post-attack. Front Psychol 2022; 13:981280. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.981280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundExtremely violent events such as terrorist attacks and mass shootings form a severe risk for the health and wellbeing of affected individuals. In this study based on a public health monitor, we focus on the health impact (including PTSD symptoms, physical problems and day-to-day functioning) of the Utrecht tram shooting, which took place in the morning of March 18th 2019. A lone gunman opened fire on passengers within a moving tram. Four people died, and six people were injured in this attack. The attack resulted in nationwide commotion and drew much media attention. Aim of this study was to increase insight into the health effects for the survivors (those directly impacted by a terrorist attack and the bereaved), and whether they received the needed care and support.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with accompanying questionnaires were conducted at six and 18 months post-attack. Overall, 21 survivors (victims/witnesses and loved ones of deceased victims) participated in the first series of interviews, 15 in the second series. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, quantitative data was only described because of the low sample size.ResultsAt both six and 18 months after the attack many survivors had been able to resume daily life, and most rated their overall health as (very) good or excellent. At the same time, a substantial portion suffered from health problems such as posttraumatic stress symptoms and other complaints, and needed professional care. Furthermore, those in need did not always find their own way to appropriate care through the existing health system: half of the survivors still needed support in finding the right care 18 months later.ConclusionAlthough the design and implementation of this public health monitor were accompanied by multiple challenges, it was possible to track a portion of the survivors and gain insight in the considerable health burden of the attack. Also, it is clear in this study that the health impact of terrorism affects survivors in the long run and requires attention from health authorities and professionals, as survivors were not able to find the right care by themselves.
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Limone P, Toto GA. Protocols and strategies to use emergency psychology in the face of an emergency: A systematic review. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2022; 229:103697. [PMID: 35963114 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma survivors are at a high risk of developing mental health problems. Hence, mental help in the form of emergency psychology has to be availed in the aftermath of a traumatizing event. When studied in-depth, emergency psychology comprises protocols, strategies, and techniques that establish it as an interventional activity. OBJECTIVE The main of this review is to analyze how emergency psychology services are provided to people, to verify to what extent these interventions are homogeneous in the delivery methods and consequently, facilitate the creation of relevant measures. Consequently, the general view of emergency psychology is reviewed and analyzed to identify the protocols, guidelines, and strategies used. METHODS A search was done on the ScienceDirect, APA PsycINFO, Emerald, and Scopus databases for articles published from 1st January 2017 to 1st April 2022. The reference lists of the identified studies were also screened. RESULTS After the non-duplicate articles were removed and after filtering the articles according to inclusion criteria, 20 articles were included for the thematic analysis: nine research articles, 10 case study reports, and one randomized controlled trial (RCT). During the analysis, different aspects of emergency psychology were categorized: Responders, Crisis Management and Structure, and types of psychological interventions. This categorization led to the identification of protocols, guidelines, and strategies that can be placed in a sequence to give a general direction of how an emergency psychology intervention is supposed to be carried out. CONCLUSIONS The adopted protocols, guidelines and strategies may vary from one disaster management to another but the main goal will always remain the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Limone
- Learning Science Hub, Department of Humanities, University of Foggia, Italy.
| | - Giusi Antonia Toto
- Learning Science Hub, Department of Humanities, University of Foggia, Italy.
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Appraising Evidence-Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Guidelines—PART II: A Content Analysis with Implications for Disaster Risk Reduction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137798. [PMID: 35805457 PMCID: PMC9265945 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
High quality mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) guidelines are indispensable for policy and practice to address the mental health consequences of disasters. This contribution complements a review that assessed the methodological quality of 13 MHPSS guidelines. We analyzed the content of the four highest-ranking guidelines and explored implications for disaster risk reduction (DRR). A qualitative explorative thematic analysis was conducted. The four guidelines proved largely similar, overlapping or at least complementary in their MHPSS definitions, stated purpose of the guidelines, user and target groups, terminology, and models used. Many recommended MHPSS measures and interventions were found in all of the guidelines and could be assigned to five categories: basic relief, information provision, emotional and social support, practical support, and health care. The guidelines stress the importance of monitoring needs and problems, evaluating the effect of service delivery, deliberate implementation and preparation, and investments in proper conditions and effective coordination across professions, agencies, and sectors. The MHPSS knowledge base embedded in the guidelines is comprehensive, coherent, and sufficiently universal to serve as the “overarching framework” considered missing yet vital for the integration of MHPSS approaches in DRR. Although application contexts differ geographically, this common ground should allow policymakers and practitioners globally to plan, implement, and evaluate MHPSS actions contributing to DRR, ideally together with target groups.
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Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Physical Illness, and Social Adjustment Among Disaster Victims. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2022; 17:e195. [PMID: 35593424 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2022.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Posttraumatic stress disorder is one of the most studied outcomes after a disaster. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are maladaptive and disabling and can severely impair affected individuals' psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Consequently, the objective of this research is to investigate the prevalence of PTSS and physical illness among disaster victims. METHODS We analyzed disaster victims' survey data in South Korea 1 year after a natural disaster (n = 1659). Then, we performed multivariable comparisons of social and work adjustments between individuals with PTSS and individuals with physical illness to examine the association between PTSS and functional impairment. RESULTS Individuals with PTSS had a significant association with work and social maladjustments whether or not they had a physical illness; PTSS (+) physical illness (-) group (OR: 1.18, CI: 1.12-1.26, P < 0.001) and PTSS (+) physical illness (+) group (OR: 1.16, CI: 1.08-1.23, P < 0.001). Interestingly, this association was not significant in the group that exclusively presented physical illness. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PTSS might be a critical factor in social maladjustment during the post-disaster period. Subsequently, an assessment of disaster victims' PTSS would help ensure effective medical and governmental approaches to assist disaster victims.
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van Herpen MM, Dückers MLA, Schaap R, Olff M, te Brake H. Online One-Stop Shop for Disaster Response Services After the MH17 Airplane Crash: An Evaluation Study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:832840. [PMID: 35586001 PMCID: PMC9108207 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.832840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A one-stop shop for disaster response services provides a central location for information and advice in an accessible way. Yet little is known about its organization and outcomes. After the MH17 airplane crash, the one-stop shop concept was realized through a digital environment called the Information and Referral Center (IRC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the experiences of users and providers in regard to the IRC and to identify improvement points for future IRCs. Method Data was collected among affected ones as well as involved organizations, using interviews, focus groups, surveys and online user information. Existing evaluation and quality models were combined to design the study and analyze the data. Results First, affected ones and a variety of organizations involved were positive about the merits of the IRC. Affected ones indicated they perceived the IRC as a reliable source of information and appreciated the referral possibilities. Second, the feature of the IRC to serve as a community where affected ones could meet, share experiences and support each other was hardly used according to participants. Lastly, tracking evolving psychosocial needs and problems through the IRC was hampered due to difficulty in accessing relevant data. Conclusions The IRC helped organizations to structure and align their services. Affected ones were positive about its reliability and accessibility. An IRC has to be embedded within the established care structures. Future research could indicate whether an IRC is useful in other event types and population contexts as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel M. van Herpen
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crises, Diemen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience & Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michel L. A. Dückers
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crises, Diemen, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, Netherlands
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rick Schaap
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crises, Diemen, Netherlands
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience & Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Netherlands
| | - Hans te Brake
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crises, Diemen, Netherlands
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6
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Stene LE, Vuillermoz C, Overmeire RV, Bilsen J, Dückers M, Nilsen LG, Vandentorren S. Psychosocial care responses to terrorist attacks: a country case study of Norway, France and Belgium. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:390. [PMID: 35331222 PMCID: PMC8953389 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07691-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The international terrorism threat urges societies to invest in the planning and organization of psychosocial care. With the aim to contribute to cross-national learning, this study describes the content, target populations and providers of psychosocial care to civilians after terrorist attacks in Norway, France and Belgium. Methods We identified and reviewed pre- and post-attack policy documents, guidelines, reports and other relevant grey literature addressing the psychosocial care response to terrorist attacks in Oslo/Utøya, Norway on 22 July 2011; in Paris, France on 13 November 2015; and in Brussels, Belgium on 22 March 2016. Results In Norway, there was a primary care based approach with multidisciplinary crisis teams in the local municipalities. In response to the terrorist attacks, there were proactive follow-up programs within primary care and occupational health services with screenings of target groups throughout a year. In France, there was a national network of specialized emergency psychosocial units primarily consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric nurses organized by the regional health agencies. They provided psychological support the first month including guidance for long-term healthcare, but there were no systematic screening programs after the acute phase. In Belgium, there were psychosocial intervention networks in the local municipalities, yet the acute psychosocial care was coordinated at a federal level. A reception centre was organized to provide acute psychosocial care, but there were no reported public long-term psychosocial care initiatives in response to the attacks. Conclusions Psychosocial care responses, especially long-term follow-up activities, differed substantially between countries. Models for registration of affected individuals, monitoring of their health and continuous evaluation of countries’ psychosocial care provision incorporated in international guidelines may strengthen public health responses to mass-casualty incidents. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07691-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Eilin Stene
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway.
| | - Cécile Vuillermoz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'épidémiologie et de Santé Publique (IPLESP), Department of social epidemiology, Paris, France
| | - Roel Van Overmeire
- Mental Health & Wellbeing research group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Bilsen
- Mental Health & Wellbeing research group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel Dückers
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Netherlands.,Netherlands Institute of Health Services Research (NIVEL), Utrecht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Lisa Govasli Nilsen
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway.,Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Stéphanie Vandentorren
- Santé publique France, Saint Maurice, France.,Université Bordeaux, Inserm, UMR 1219, Vintage team, Bordeaux, France
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7
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Askenazy F, Fernandez A, Altan L, Battista M, Dückers M, Gindt M, Nachon O, Ivankovic A, Porcar-Becker I, Prieto N, Robert P, Stene LE, Thummler S, Manera V. Remote training as a common tool for the different professionals involved in the acute phase after terror attacks across Europe: Perspectives from an expert panel. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:915929. [PMID: 36081462 PMCID: PMC9445156 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.915929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute response after a terror attack may have a crucial impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of the victims. Preparedness of the professionals involved in the acute response is a key element to ensure effective interventions, and can be improved through trainings. Today in Europe there is a recognized lack of inter-professional and international trainings, which are important, among others, to respond to the needs and the rights of victims affected by a terrorist attack in another country than their home country. In this paper we report the perspectives of an expert panel composed by different categories of professionals on the possible role of interprofessional trainings provided remotely. The experts discussed the pertinence of remote trainings for professionals involved in the acute response of a terror attack, and highlighted their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT analysis). We concluded that, while remote trainings cannot replace in-person trainings, they may be useful to share knowledge about the role and the organization of the different categories of professionals, thus potentially improving response coordination, and to easily share good practices across professionals and countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Askenazy
- Cognition Behaviour Technology (CoBTeK) Lab, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Arnaud Fernandez
- Cognition Behaviour Technology (CoBTeK) Lab, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | | | - Michèle Battista
- University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Michel Dückers
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crises, Diemen, Netherlands.,Nivel-Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Morgane Gindt
- Cognition Behaviour Technology (CoBTeK) Lab, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Ophélie Nachon
- Cognition Behaviour Technology (CoBTeK) Lab, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | | | - Ingeborg Porcar-Becker
- Unit for Trauma, Crisis and Conflicts at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Nathalie Prieto
- Cellule d'Urgence Médico-Psychologique, Centre Régional du Psychotraumatisme, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
| | - Philippe Robert
- Cognition Behaviour Technology (CoBTeK) Lab, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Association Innovation Alzheimer, Nice, France
| | - Lise Eilin Stene
- Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS), Oslo, Norway
| | - Susanne Thummler
- Cognition Behaviour Technology (CoBTeK) Lab, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospitals of Nice CHU-Lenval, Nice, France
| | - Valeria Manera
- Cognition Behaviour Technology (CoBTeK) Lab, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.,Association Innovation Alzheimer, Nice, France
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Hugelius K, Johansson S, Sjölin H. "We Thought We Were Prepared, but We Were Not": Experiences from the Management of the Psychosocial Support Response during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden. A Mixed-Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18179079. [PMID: 34501668 PMCID: PMC8431117 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to describe experiences of managing mental health and psychosocial activities during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. A national survey was answered by a non-probability sample of 340 involved in the psychosocial response. The psychosocial response operations met several challenges, mainly related to the diverse actors involved, lack of competence, and lack of preparations. Less than 20% of the participants had received specific training in the provision of psychosocial support during major incidents. The interventions used varied, and no large-scale interventions were used. The psychosocial response organizations were overwhelmed by the needs of health care staff and failed to meet the needs of patients and family members. An efficient and durable psychosocial response in a long-term crisis requires to be structured, planned and well-integrated into the overall pandemic response. All personnel involved need adequate and specific competence in evidence-based individual and large-scale interventions to provide psychosocial support in significant incidents. By increasing general awareness of mental wellbeing and psychosocial support amongst health professionals and their first-line managers, a more resilient health care system, both in everyday life and during major incidents and disasters, could be facilitated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hugelius
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 702 81 Örebro, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Helena Sjölin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 702 81 Örebro, Sweden;
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Wyte-Lake T, Schmitz S, Kornegay RJ, Acevedo F, Dobalian A. Three case studies of community behavioral health support from the US Department of Veterans Affairs after disasters. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:639. [PMID: 33794812 PMCID: PMC8015747 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10650-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community disaster resilience is comprised of a multitude of factors, including the capacity of citizens to psychologically recover. There is growing recognition of the need for public health departments to prioritize a communitywide mental health response strategy to facilitate access to behavioral health services and reduce potential psychological impacts. Due to the US Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) extensive experience providing trauma-informed behavioral healthcare to its Veterans, and the fact that VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) are located throughout the United States, the VA is well situated to be a key partner in local communities’ response plans. In this study we examined the role the VA can play in a community’s behavioral health response using case studies from three disasters. Methods This study investigated experiences of VA employees in critical emergency response positions (N = 17) in communities where disasters occurred between 2017 and 2019. All respondents were interviewed March–July 2019. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews exploring participants’ experiences and knowledge about VA activities provided to communities following the regional disasters. Data were analyzed using thematic and grounded theory coding methods. Results Respondents underscored VA’s primary mission after a disaster was to maintain continuity of care to Veterans. The majority also described the VA supporting community recovery. Specifically, three recent events provided key examples of VA’s involvement in disaster behavioral health response. Each event showed VA’s integration into local response structures was facilitated by pre-existing emergency management and clinical relationships as well as prioritization from VA leadership to engage in humanitarian missions. The behavioral health interventions were provided by behavioral health teams integrated into disaster assistance centers and non-VA hospitals, VA mobile units deployed into the community, and VA telehealth services. Conclusions Recent disasters have revealed that coordinated efforts between multidisciplinary agencies can strengthen communities’ capacity to respond to mental health needs, thereby fostering resilience. Building relationships with local VAMCs can help expedite how VA can be incorporated into emergency management strategies. In considering the strengths community partners can bring to bear, a coordinated disaster mental health response would benefit from involving VA as a partner during planning. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10650-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Wyte-Lake
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC), 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA, 91343, USA. .,Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Susan Schmitz
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC), 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA, 91343, USA
| | | | - Felix Acevedo
- VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, 6900 N. Pecos Road, North Las Vegas, NV, 89086, USA
| | - Aram Dobalian
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center (VEMEC), 16111 Plummer St. MS-152, North Hills, CA, 91343, USA.,Division of Health Systems Management and Policy, University of Memphis School of Public Health, Memphis, TN, USA
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10
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Yang Q, Huo J, Li J, Jiang Y. Research on the influence of the COVID-19 epidemic on work stress of returning workers in China: A study based on empirical analyses of industrial enterprises. Work 2020; 67:67-79. [PMID: 32955475 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 epidemic not only cast a shadow on China's economic development but also caused phased panic and anxiety among the Chinese population. At the stage when the spread of the epidemic is not completely controlled, the business activities will surely cause employees to worry and produce a work stress reaction. OBJECTIVE This study explores the impact of psychosocial stress caused by the COVID-19 epidemic on the work stress of returned workers. Furthermore, we explore the boundary conditions for reducing work stress from the perspectives of perceived organizational support, perceived social support and epidemic awareness. METHODS Data were collected within two weeks after the Chinese government announced the work resumption of industrial enterprises. During this period, 526 returned workers participated in the study. RESULTS The results showed that the psychosocial stress caused by the epidemic had a positive impact on work stress. Both perceived organizational support and perceived that social support can alleviate the impact of psychosocial stress on work stress. The moderating effect of epidemic awareness was only established in non-severe epidemic areas. CONCLUSIONS In the current period of the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, the conclusions of this study have a certain theoretical significance and practical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yang
- School of Economics and Management, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiale Huo
- School of Economics and Management, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Li
- School of Economics and Management, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yushi Jiang
- School of Economics and Management, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
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11
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van Herpen MM, Boeschoten MA, Te Brake H, van der Aa N, Olff M. Mobile Insight in Risk, Resilience, and Online Referral (MIRROR): Psychometric Evaluation of an Online Self-Help Test. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e19716. [PMID: 32975521 PMCID: PMC7547397 DOI: 10.2196/19716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people who experience a potentially traumatic event (PTE) recover on their own. A small group of individuals develops psychological complaints, but this is often not detected in time or guidance to care is suboptimal. To identify these individuals and encourage them to seek help, a web-based self-help test called Mobile Insight in Risk, Resilience, and Online Referral (MIRROR) was developed. MIRROR takes an innovative approach since it integrates both negative and positive outcomes of PTEs and time since the event and provides direct feedback to the user. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to assess MIRROR's use, examine its psychometric properties (factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent and divergent validity), and evaluate how well it classifies respondents into different outcome categories compared with reference measures. METHODS MIRROR was embedded in the website of Victim Support Netherlands so visitors could use it. We compared MIRROR's outcomes to reference measures of PTSD symptoms (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5), depression, anxiety, stress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21), psychological resilience (Resilience Evaluation Scale), and positive mental health (Mental Health Continuum Short Form). RESULTS In 6 months, 1112 respondents completed MIRROR, of whom 663 also completed the reference measures. Results showed good internal consistency (interitem correlations range .24 to .55, corrected item-total correlations range .30 to .54, and Cronbach alpha coefficient range .62 to .68), and convergent and divergent validity (Pearson correlations range -.259 to .665). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA+CFA) yielded a 2-factor model with good model fit (CFA model fit indices: χ219=107.8, P<.001, CFI=.965, TLI=.948, RMSEA=.065), conceptual meaning, and parsimony. MIRROR correctly classified respondents into different outcome categories compared with the reference measures. CONCLUSIONS MIRROR is a valid and reliable self-help test to identify negative (PTSD complaints) and positive outcomes (psychosocial functioning and resilience) of PTEs. MIRROR is an easily accessible online tool that can help people who have experienced a PTE to timely identify psychological complaints and find appropriate support, a tool that might be highly needed in times like the coronavirus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Marjolein van Herpen
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crises, Diemen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience & Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Hans Te Brake
- ARQ Centre of Expertise for the Impact of Disasters and Crises, Diemen, Netherlands
| | | | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience & Public Health, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Netherlands
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12
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Gersons BPR, Smid GE, Smit AS, Kazlauskas E, McFarlane A. Can a 'second disaster' during and after the COVID-19 pandemic be mitigated? Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1815283. [PMID: 33062215 PMCID: PMC7534298 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1815283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In most disasters that have been studied, the underlying dangerous cause does not persist for very long. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic a progressively emerging life threat remains, exposing everyone to varying levels of risk of contracting the illness, dying, or infecting others. Distancing and avoiding company have a great impact on social life. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has an enormous economic impact for many losing work and income, which is even affecting basic needs such as access to food and housing. In addition, loss of loved ones may compound the effects of fear and loss of resources. The aim of this paper is to distil, from a range of published literature, lessons from past disasters to assist in mitigating adverse psychosocial reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. European, American, and Asian studies of disasters show that long-term social and psychological consequences of disasters may compromise initial solidarity. Psychosocial disruptions, practical and financial problems, and complex community and political issues may then result in a 'second disaster'. Lessons from past disasters suggest that communities and their leaders, as well as mental healthcare providers, need to pay attention to fear regarding the ongoing threat, as well as sadness and grief, and to provide hope to mitigate social disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berthold P. R. Gersons
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert E. Smid
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
- University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annika S. Smit
- Police Academy of the Netherlands, Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
| | - Evaldas Kazlauskas
- Center for Psychotraumatology, Institute of Psychology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Alexander McFarlane
- Centre for Traumatic Stress Studies, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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13
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Instilling Hope and Resiliency: A Narrative Photo-Taking Intervention During an Intercultural Exchange Involving 9/11 Survivors in Post 3/11 Japan. J Nerv Ment Dis 2020; 208:488-497. [PMID: 32032178 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
On March 11, 2011 ("3/11"), a magnitude 9.0 earthquake in Northeastern Japan triggered a tsunami and nuclear power plant meltdown that killed 16,000 people and displaced more than 470,000 people. Since 2012, a group of volunteer docents from the September 11th Families Association in New York City has traveled throughout Northeastern Japan and held organized meetings where 9/11 and 3/11 survivors share their experiences and stories of trauma as part of an intercultural exchange to promote posttraumatic recovery. We sought to elucidate whether participating 9/11 docents developed a sense of increased resiliency by participating in this international outreach. This study employed photo-taking as well as framing questions, which were developed by 9/11 docents from the August 2016 trip. These questions guided photo-taking and resulting photographs informed discussion in individual and group sharing sessions. This process helped identify codes that guided analysis. Participants acquired a deeper appreciation of their own ability to overcome adversity and experienced a gratifying desire to help 3/11 survivors better cope with their experiences. This narrative photo-taking and group sharing experience demonstrates that a cross-cultural exchange between survivors of different disasters can instill feelings of resilience among participants. It additionally provides early evidence of the efficacy of such an exchange in benefitting disaster survivors in the long term.
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Olff M, Amstadter A, Armour C, Birkeland MS, Bui E, Cloitre M, Ehlers A, Ford JD, Greene T, Hansen M, Lanius R, Roberts N, Rosner R, Thoresen S. A decennial review of psychotraumatology: what did we learn and where are we going? Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1672948. [PMID: 31897268 PMCID: PMC6924542 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1672948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
On 6 December 2019 we start the 10th year of the European Journal of Psychotraumatogy (EJPT), a full Open Access journal on psychotrauma. This editorial is part of a special issue/collection celebrating the 10 years anniversary of the journal where we will acknowledge some of our most impactful articles of the past decade (also discussed below and marked with * in the reference list). In this editorial the editors present a decennial review of the field addressing a range of topics that are core to both the journal and to psychotraumatology as a discipline. These include neurobiological developments (genomics, neuroimaging and neuroendocrine research), forms of trauma exposure and impact across the lifespan, mass trauma and early interventions, work-related trauma, trauma in refugee populations, and the potential consequences of trauma such as PTSD or Complex PTSD, but also resilience. We address innovations in psychological, medication (enhanced) and technology-assisted treatments, mediators and moderators like social support and finally how new research methods help us to gain insights in symptom structures or to better predict symptom development or treatment success. We aimed to answer three questions 1. Where did we stand in 2010? 2. What did we learn in the past 10 years? 3. What are our knowledge gaps? We conclude with a number of recommendations concerning top priorities for the future direction of the field of psychotraumatology and correspondingly the journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam
University Medical Centers (location AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma
Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Ananda Amstadter
- Departemnts of Psychiatry, Psychology, &
Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond,
USA
| | - Cherie Armour
- School of Psychology, Queens University
Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Marianne S. Birkeland
- Section for implementation and treatment
research, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo
Norway
| | - Eric Bui
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts
General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,
USA
| | - Marylene Cloitre
- National Center for PTSD Dissemination and
Training Division, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Anke Ehlers
- Department of Experimental Psychology,
University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian D. Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of
Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA
| | - Talya Greene
- Department of Community Mental Health,
University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maj Hansen
- Department of Psychology,
Odense, Denmark
| | - Ruth Lanius
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Research
Unit, Western University of Canada, London, ON,
Canada
| | - Neil Roberts
- Psychology and Psychological Therapies
Directorate, Cardiff & Vale University Health Board, Cardiff,
UK
- Division of Psychological Medicine &
Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff,
UK
| | - Rita Rosner
- Department of Clinical and Biological
Psychology, KU Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, Eichstaett,
Germany
| | - Siri Thoresen
- Section for trauma, catastrophes and forced
migration – children and youth, Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress
Studies, Oslo, Norway
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Kaniasty K. Social support, interpersonal, and community dynamics following disasters caused by natural hazards. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 32:105-109. [PMID: 31445427 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The most essential, and possibly the most reliably present, characteristic of all disasters is that they exert strong impact on social relationships. Two very different, at times conflicting, dynamic processes emerge in their aftermath: the initial outpouring of immense mutual helping and solidarity, followed by a subsequent sense of loss in the quality of interpersonal and community relationships. This review of recent findings in the area of disaster mental health confirmed two major patterns of social support dynamics following disastrous events resulting from natural hazards: a mobilization of received social support and deterioration of perceived social support and sense of community. Social support is a critical resource helping people cope with natural disasters. Its psychologically and socially protective functions for survivors and their communities unfold in a complex matrix of benefits and liabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kaniasty
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 15705, USA; Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
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El-Hage W, Birmes P, Jehel L, Ferreri F, Benoit M, Vidailhet P, Prieto N, François I, Baubet T, Vaiva G. Improving the mental health system for trauma victims in France. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2019; 10:1617610. [PMID: 31231477 PMCID: PMC6566974 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2019.1617610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
France has a rich history of exposure to large-scale traumas such as wars, disasters and terrorist attacks, and psychiatric teams specialized in emergency interventions for mass trauma have been created across the territory. However, no public resources are dedicated for long-term interventions or for individual trauma cases. This letter describes how a government supported model of care has been created and implemented in 2019. A national centre for resources and resilience (CN2R) and 10 regional ambulatory services specializing in psychotraumatology were created with the aim of improving public mental health-care delivery while providing a comprehensive suite of services for trauma victims from the most immediate to longer-term considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam El-Hage
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie Centre Val de Loire, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France.,UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Philippe Birmes
- Centre de Psychotraumatologie Occitanie, CHU, Toulouse, France.,Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Louis Jehel
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie Ultramarin, CHU Martinique, Fort de France, Martinique, France
| | - Florian Ferreri
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie Paris Centre Sud, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, ICRIN, Paris, France
| | - Michel Benoit
- Psychiatry Clinical Neuroscience Department, Pasteur Hospital, Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie PACA, Nice, France
| | - Pierre Vidailhet
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie Grand-Est, Université de Strasbourg, INSERM U1114, Strasbourg, France
| | - Nathalie Prieto
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, Service de Médecine Légale, Groupement Hospitalier Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
| | - Irène François
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie, Médecine légale et droit de la santé, Faculté de médecine, Dijon, France
| | - Thierry Baubet
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie Paris Nord, CN2R, Hôpital Avicenne, AP-HP, Université Paris-13, CESP, Inserm 1178, Bobigny, France
| | - Guillaume Vaiva
- Centre Régional de Psychotraumatologie Hauts-de-France, CN2R, CHU Lille, Université de Lille, CNRS UMR-9193, SCALab, Lille, France
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