Early Interventions Following Exposure to Traumatic Events: Implications for Practice From Recent Research

Abstract

It is has been argued that early interventions for individuals, groups or others affected by traumatic events should not be routinely offered as there is the danger of causing more harm. The notion of “watchful waiting” has been espoused in clinical guidelines for the assessment and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Instead, a more proactive early intervention is suggested for potentially traumatic events that have the potential to lead to high psychic distress, PTSD, or complicated grief reactions for a significant number of those affected. This involves providing strategies tailored to the needs of these individuals and families and not providing conventional individual therapeutic interventions. Early intervention is wise as recent research has demonstrated that early misconceptions and negative appraisals about one's own reactions to a trauma can be significant in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic reactions and early intervention may help in forming adequate appraisals, thus counteracting misunderstandings and misperceptions. Adopting a “watchful waiting” approach with individuals and families has the potential to hinder and impede their longer-term coping responses. Recent advances, especially in the field of memory research, have implications for early interventions. We present recent findings, which make the case for early interventions following exposure to traumatic events.

Notes

This work was funded by the Egmont Foundation.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Atle Dyregrov

Atle Dyregrov is a clinical and research psychologist and the director of the Centre for Crisis Psychology in Bergen, Norway. Dr. Dyregrov is the author of numerous publications, journal articles, and more than 15 books. He has conducted research on various subjects relating to bereavement, trauma, and crisis situations.

Stephen Regel

Stephen Regel is principal psychotherapist and co-director of the Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, and an honorary associate professor at the University of Nottingham. He is a senior fellow of the Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham, and a visiting therapist/consultant at the Family Trauma Centre, Belfast. Since 1998 he has been a consultant to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support.