Understanding the early support needs of survivors of traumatic events: The example of severe injury survivors

Rachel M Brand; Katherine Chisholm; Sonia Terhaag; Winnie Lau; David Forbes; Alex Holmes; Meaghan O'Donnell

doi:10.1037/tra0000274

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Understanding the early support needs of survivors of traumatic events: The example of severe injury survivors

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Understanding the early support needs of survivors of traumatic events: The example of severe injury survivors

Rachel M Brand, Katherine Chisholm, Sonia Terhaag, Winnie Lau, David Forbes, Alex Holmes and Meaghan O'Donnell

Psychological Trauma, Vol.10(3), pp.376-385

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000274

PMID: 28557484

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0000274View

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Abstract

trauma

adjustment disorder

treatment development

early intervention

subclinical distress

Objective: In the aftermath of a potentially traumatic event, people may experience a range of mental health outcomes, including subclinical symptoms and distress. There is growing evidence that trauma survivors with subclinical symptoms are at increased risk of developing later psychiatric disorders, and this is especially the case with severe injury survivors. There is a need to develop evidence-based, early, brief interventions for those who are at risk of developing trauma-related psychopathology. To date, interventions for this at-risk group have largely been derived from expert consensus. This study therefore aimed to understand the early psychosocial difficulties and perceived needs from the perspective of trauma survivors to further inform intervention development. Method: Forty-three survivors of a serious injury, identified as high risk for developing trauma-related psychopathology, were interviewed and qualitative methods (Thematic Analysis) were used to synthesize the data gathered. Results: Participants described 5 main stressors: trauma-related psychological reactions, relationship stress, unsatisfactory services and support systems, reduced functioning, and negative thoughts and emotions in relation to recovery. In addition, participants described 3 main factors that were helpful in recovery: positive coping, professional support, and social support. Conclusions: These findings can inform posttrauma intervention development for those at risk of later psychological symptoms. In particular, the results support approaches focusing on promoting activity, supporting social relationships, stress and arousal management, and cognitive restructuring. In addition, future interventions might helpfully target rumination, worry, and reexperiencing symptoms.

Details

Title: Understanding the early support needs of survivors of traumatic events: The example of severe injury survivors
Authors: Rachel M Brand (Author) - University of Melbourne
Katherine Chisholm (Author) - University of Melbourne
Sonia Terhaag (Author) - University of Melbourne
Winnie Lau (Author) - University of Melbourne
David Forbes (Author) - University of Melbourne
Alex Holmes (Author) - University of Melbourne
Meaghan O'Donnell (Author) - University of Melbourne
Publication details: Psychological Trauma, Vol.10(3), pp.376-385
Publisher: American Psychological Association
DOI: 10.1037/tra0000274
ISSN: 1942-969X
PMID: 28557484
Organisation Unit: School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; School of Health - Psychology
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99513808602621
Output Type: Journal article

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