Traumatic loss and major disasters: strengthening family and community resilience.

Froma Walsh

Journal: Family process 2007;46(2):207-27

PMID: 17593886

Abstract

This article presents the core principles and value of a family and community resilience-oriented approach to recovery from traumatic loss when catastrophic events occur. In contrast to individually based, symptom-focused approaches to trauma recovery, this multisystemic practice approach contextualizes the distress in the traumatic experience and taps strengths and resources in relational networks to foster healing and posttraumatic growth. The intertwining of trauma and traumatic losses is discussed. Key family and social processes in risk and resilience in traumatic loss situations are outlined. Case illustrations, model programs, and intervention guidelines are described in situations of community violence and major disasters to suggest ways to foster family and community resilience.

Address: School of Social Service Administration and Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, USA. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2007.00205.x

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MeSH Terms: Adaptation, Psychological, Adolescent, Bereavement, Crisis Intervention, Disasters, Family Therapy, Grief, Humans, Life Change Events, Male, Mental Healing, Religion and Psychology, Residence Characteristics, Risk Factors, September 11 Terrorist Attacks, Social Support, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Survival, Terrorism, Violence