Moving Forward From September 11: A Stress/Crisis/Trauma Response Model

Abstract

placed in the perspective of a Stress/Crisis/Trauma Response Model that covers (a) the categories of predisposing factors contributing to the individual’s level of resiliency (hardiness factor), (b) the nature, scope, and potential outcome of the actual event(s), (c) the immediate and, hopefully, transient responses (acute stress disorder), and (d) the potential long-term outcomes (e.g., physical illness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other forms of psychopathology). Prevention activities, early interventions including emergency services, crisis intervention strategies, and treatment programs for serious mental disorders are incorporated into the model. The early intervention disaster response efforts directed towards both families and first responders following the events of September 11 are discussed. There is also a critique of the present state of mental health disaster response policy and our level of preparedness as well as a reply to that critique. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 2:55–74 (2002)]