Giving reasons for your answer, suggest ways in which psychologists could help people after the occurrence of a 'disaster and/or catastrophe'.

Section B(c)

Giving reasons for your answer, suggest ways in which psychologists could help people after the occurrence of a ‘disaster and/or catastrophe’

One of the main effects of a natural disaster or technological disasters is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Hodgkinson et al – 1991, gave 4 main approaches to treatment strategies that could be used to stop the worse affects of PTSD. Such as counselling or psychotherapy of the traumatic memories associated with the event concerned. This would work because its know that most of the time, if people talk about or even right about suppressed traumatic experiences can help to reduce lingering anxiety and tension. The second approach would be cognitive therapy which would be used to correct the irrational beliefs or negative thinking that has resulted from attempts to cope. Also some people may start to develop anger outburst after the event especially if the witness’s people die in the disaster so here anger management techniques may be needed to cope with irritable outbursts. Thirdly, Relaxation training may be needed to reduce arousal levels. After a stressful even may people can’t seem to lower their arousal levels and are on edge constantly. Systematic desensitisation may lessen the effect of disturbing activities or objects. And finally, normal social activities and relationships should be encouraged. It’s known that social support is essential. This may require marital counselling, group or family therapy as well as desensitising people to any situations they have come to avoid. These and other ways of knowing that the individual belongs and that others want to try and help ease the pain can alleviate Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. All these would prove beneficial in helping to reduce the effects of PTSD as they help them to cope with what has happened either mentally or physically.