Recent Findings on Post-Terrorist Disaster Guidelines and Interventions

Abstract

After 9/11, new interest emerged in the development of post-disaster guidelines and evidence-based interventions to respond to the immediate needs of survivors of terrorist attacks. Much discussion existed about the proper response and care for people exposed to mass violence including terrorism. Recently, a consensus regarding such strategies has emerged which consists of five principles involving the promotion of: (1) a sense of safety, (2) calming, (3) a sense of self-efficacy and community efficacy, (4) connectedness and (5) hope. The effectiveness of early intervention remains controversial. Most research has discouraged debriefing since there is no evidence that it is effective, and some evidence suggests that it might even increase post-traumatic stress symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy seemed to be effective for psychosocial problems following mass disasters. Further research on intervention and guidelines are required to improve the evidence base for effective strategies.