Abstract
Many mainstream conceptual models guiding post-trauma intervention have been developed, andare utilised in accordance with theoretical and professional orientation. In many of these modelsthe response to trauma has come to be postulated as an internal phenomenon. Conceptually, thestress response has been separated from its original source in the external environment, and hasbeen located in the individual (Hobfoll, 1998; Monnier & Hobfoll, 2000). Medical or pathologybasedresponses to trauma often highlight deficiencies in the traumatised individual, who istreated by the “expert” psychiatrist or psychologist, based on the needs the specialist identifies. InSouth Africa, an exception is the social work profession, where a developmental approach hasbeen applied to South African policy and intervention since 1997 when the White Paper forSocial Welfare was formulated (Ministry for Welfare and Population Development, 1997).
Highlights
Many mainstream conceptual models guiding post-trauma intervention have been developed, and are utilised in accordance with theoretical and professional orientation
In a community stricken with gang violence, taking a child to see the results of a gang shootout may be ill-advised according to literature on traumatic stress and children, but in some resource-poor communities such behaviour may be one in a small armamentarium of resources, as it may be instrumental in turning children away from a life of gangsterism
Kistner (2004) rightly states that mental health professionals in South Africa must develop practical intervention strategies based on their understanding of survival under conditions of continuous traumatic stress
Summary
Many mainstream conceptual models guiding post-trauma intervention have been developed, and are utilised in accordance with theoretical and professional orientation. Thereafter, more resources are invested, which could be depleted to cope with subsequent challenges This process could repeat itself, and could very quickly descend into a loss spiral, which could continue to affect individuals long after the stressful incidents have occurred. PRINCIPLES OF INTERVENTION Within the context of continuous traumatic stress in South Africa, Conservation of Resources theory offers a transdisciplinary, overarching approach. In a community stricken with gang violence, taking a child to see the results of a gang shootout may be ill-advised according to literature on traumatic stress and children, but in some resource-poor communities such behaviour may be one in a small armamentarium of resources, as it may be instrumental in turning children away from a life of gangsterism This principle requires that the interventionist develop an appreciation for the different ways of life in many societies, so as to identify key resources. In Mr L’s case, the moderate and manageable level of current stress had a buffering effect, in that it provided respite and allowed him to build resources
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