Psychosocial Interventions for acutely traumatized individuals and their effectiveness

Abstract

Based on the current state of research we outline the broadly discussed field of psychosocial acute intervention after traumatic events. We structure these interventions in the context of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention and discuss their effectiveness. We explicitly spare early forms of trauma therapy. Singular interventions such as debriefing and psychoeducation are not effective on their own. There is need for complex multilevel approaches that are adapted to the needs, circumstances and culture of the target groups/persons. These approaches should be based on the following effective elements: safety, connectedness, calm, self and collective efficacy and hope (Hobfoll et al. 2007).