'Ging es nicht um Gesundheit – statt um Therapie?!' – Gesundheitspsychologische Aspekte von Krisen und Traumatisierungen am Beispiel Jugendlicher am Rande der Gesellschaft

Abstract

Whilst respecting conventional diagnostical and therapeutic approaches towards psychological crisis and trauma a change of perspective and paradigm – based on short-term emergency-psychological intervention and on intermediate- and longterm implementation of public health frameworks and strategies – is being proposed. Thereby the overall focus is directed towards prevention of trauma sequelae, and resources and health, respectively.Practical experiences with young people at the very margin of society (who are perceived as representatives of highly vulnerable population groups) stress the need for a model which transcends the limits of curative trauma therapy and that truly reflects the paradigm of public health.An essential aspect of the overall discussion concerns the development of a genuinely health promoting attitude – which implies the willingness for empowering clients, an emphasis on the development of conditions that promote health, thereby the integration of diverse communities in all professional support systems, – and ultimately a radical reflection of the self-conception as psychosocial worker. Key words: Trauma resolution, Public Health, Emergency/Disaster Psychology, Inclusion, Participation, Community work, Empowerment