Group Psychological First Aid: Toward a New Model for Group-Based Disaster Mental Health Intervention

Abstract

Introduction:As the number of individuals impacted by disasters rises, an adaptation of Psychological First Aid (PFA) into a group intervention is warranted. Such a model would allow for more people to receive the support they need, while harnessing the power of group interventions. Groups have established effectiveness that is equivalent, if not superior, to individual treatment. Additionally, the five essential elements of early intervention for mass trauma (safety, calm, efficacy, connectedness, and hope) are closely related to the established mechanisms of change in groups. Groups are particularly well-suited to promote connectedness, the element with the strongest empirical link to recovery. Nevertheless, groups are underutilized in disasters and caution is warranted as some models have been shown to cause potential harm by over-exposing those involved to one another’s trauma and attempting to process the trauma when the focus should be on stabilization. This presentation proposes a model for group-based PFA that incorporates the known risks and benefits of disaster response and group interventions.Method:Literature on group interventions for disaster was reviewed and compared to established best practices in disaster mental health including PFA, Skills for Recovery, and related interventions. This literature was combined with the clinical and training experience of the presenters to develop an initial model for adapting PFA into a group intervention.Results:The model proposed involves dissemination of PFA’s general tenets among large groups and then utilizing small groups to provide the PFA core skills most applicable to each group. The model also incorporates group processes known to promote recovery that are not available in individual interventions, emphasizing the role of group cohesion to create connectedness and social support.Conclusion:This proposal is conceptualized as a tabletop presentation to allow for discussion, with a goal of advancing Group PFA and recommending next steps in its development and dissemination.