A Bioecological Model of Mass Trauma

Abstract

Biopsychosocial consequences of catastrophic events create an ongoing need for research that examines the effects of mass traumas, developing psychosocial interventions, and advocacy to address the needs of affected individuals, systems, and communities. Because it is neither possible nor necessarily desirable to intervene with all touched by disasters at an individual level, a systems approach that allows conceptualization and response at the individual, family, community, and societal levels seems optimal. Many of the models commonly used in counseling psychology to explain coping with difficult events focus on individual effects and do not adequately capture the complex, multisystemic effects of large-scale catastrophic events and disasters. A bioecological model of mass trauma, which provides a conceptual framework for understanding the effects, intervening in the aftermath, addressing prevention, and researching aspects of large-scale disasters, catastrophes, and mass traumas, is presented. Relevant literature and illustrative examples from three categories of mass traumas or catastrophic events (disasters, war, and terrorism or violence) that currently contribute to a persistent atmosphere of stress for many are reviewed using the bioecological model. Recommendations for future research are provided.

Veterans’ Perspectives on the Psychosocial Impact of Killing in War

“…Such advocacy is consistent with the field's emphasis on social action and community engagement (Carr, Bhagwat, Miller, & Ponce, 2014;Danish et al, 2007;Hodge, Danish, & Martin, 2013;Hoffman & Kruczek, 2011;Vera & Speight, 2003). Here, there is an obligation not only to connect veterans with other veterans, but also to create the opportunity for civilians and veterans to engage one another in meaningful, nonjudgmental discussions about the significance of war and the impact of war's violence.…”

Building Resilience after a Natural Disaster: An Evaluation of a Parental Psycho-educational Curriculum

“…Parents and caregivers play an integral role in this process because of the continuous interaction with the child, moulding aspects of the developmental process (Bronfenbrenner, 1994). Moreover, when a caregiver has continued distress, poor coping patterns, or higher interfamilial conflict, children are at a higher risk for post-trauma symptoms (Hoffman & Kruczek, 2011). The Caregivers JoH addresses the direct role of a caregiver on a child's development and attempts to mitigate distressing interactions by enhancing coping techniques and reducing postdisaster stress.…”

Exploring the Demands on Nurses Working in Health Care Facilities During a Large-Scale Natural Disaster

“…Their bioecological model of mass trauma was based on Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model of human development which was, up until his death, continually evolving and is defined as "the phenomenon of continuity and change in the biopsychological characteristics of human beings, both as individuals and as groups" (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006, p. 793). Hoffman and Kruczek (2011) believed that an individual is affected by interactions among systems that provide social context and determines the impacts of events. Paton and Johnston and Norris et al echoed this and developed multilevel, interdependent models of disaster resilience (Norris et al, 2008;Paton & Johnston, 2006).…”