UNIT : 1 ; PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST

AID
Notes

CONTENTS:
● INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID
● CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID
● CORE COMPETENCIES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

1. INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID :

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a supportive intervention designed to assist individuals

experiencing distress after a traumatic event.

It emphasizes providing immediate emotional and practical support to help people cope
with their reactions, restore a sense of safety, and facilitate their adaptive functioning.

PFA is not therapy but rather a compassionate and practical approach to help individuals
in crisis.

It's often used in disaster response, but its principles can apply to various situations
where people are in acute distress.

2. CONCEPT AND DEVELOPMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID:

The concept and development of Psychological First Aid (PFA) have evolved over time in
response to the recognition of the psychological impact of disasters and crises on
individuals and communities.

Here's an overview of its concept and development:

1.Early Models:
The concept of providing psychological support to individuals in crisis situations dates
back to the early 20th century, with interventions such as critical incident stress
debriefing (CISD).

However, these models were criticized for potentially retraumatizing individuals and
lacked empirical evidence of effectiveness.

2.Recognition of Need:

In the late 20th century, researchers and practitioners began to recognize the
importance of addressing the immediate psychological needs of individuals affected by
disasters and emergencies.

It became evident that traditional mental health interventions were not always feasible or
appropriate in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

3.Evidence-Based Approach:

PFA emerged as an evidence-based approach to providing early psychological support to

individuals in crisis situations.

Drawing on principles from disaster mental health, crisis intervention, and trauma
psychology,

PFA emphasizes a supportive, practical, and culturally sensitive approach to help

individuals cope with distress and promote resilience.

4.Development of Guidelines:

Various organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Red
Cross, and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), developed guidelines
and training programs for PFA.

These guidelines outline core principles and strategies for providing psychological
support in the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

5.Integration into Disaster Response:

 PFA has become an integral component of disaster response efforts worldwide.

It is often provided by trained professionals, volunteers, and community members in

settings such as shelters, hospitals, schools, and communities affected by disasters.

6.Adaptation to Diverse Contexts:

PFA has been adapted to diverse cultural contexts and populations, recognizing the
importance of cultural competence in providing effective psychological support.

Training programs emphasize the need for practitioners to be sensitive to cultural

differences, language barriers, and individual preferences.

7.Research and Evaluation:

Research on the effectiveness of PFA continues to grow, with studies examining its
impact on reducing psychological distress, promoting coping skills, and preventing
long-term mental health problems.

Evaluation of PFA interventions helps refine guidelines and training programs to ensure
they are evidence-based and responsive to the needs of individuals and communities.

Overall, the concept and development of Psychological First Aid reflect a shift towards a
more compassionate, practical, and evidence-based approach to addressing the
psychological needs of individuals affected by crises and disasters.

3. CORE COMPETENCIES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID:

The core competencies of Psychological First Aid (PFA) outline the essential skills and
abilities required to effectively provide psychological support to individuals in crisis
situations.

These competencies encompass various aspects of communication, assessment,

intervention, and self-care.

Here are the core competencies of PFA:

1.Establishing Rapport:
Building trust and rapport with individuals in distress through active listening, empathy,
and nonjudgmental support.

2.Assessment Skills:

Ability to assess the immediate needs and concerns of individuals affected by a crisis,
including safety concerns, emotional distress, and practical needs.

3.Stabilization Techniques:

Providing immediate support to help individuals regain a sense of safety and stability,
including reassurance, information about available resources, and assistance with basic
needs.

4. Active Listening:

Listening attentively to the individual's feelings, thoughts, and experiences without

judgment, and validating their emotions and experiences.

5.Normalization:

Helping individuals understand that their reactions to the crisis are common responses
to trauma and are not a sign of weakness or abnormality.

6.Psychoeducation:

Providing basic information about common stress reactions, coping strategies, and
self-care techniques to help individuals manage their distress.

7.Cultural Competence:

Recognizing and respecting the cultural background, beliefs, and values of individuals,
and adapting interventions to be culturally sensitive and responsive.

8.Crisis Intervention Skills:

Applying crisis intervention techniques to help individuals cope with acute distress and
promote resilience.
9.Referral and Follow-up:

Knowing when and how to refer individuals to appropriate mental health professionals
or support services for further assistance, and following up to ensure they are accessing
the necessary resources.

10.Self-Care Practices:

Engaging in self-care practices to maintain personal well-being and prevent burnout

while providing psychological support to others.

These core competencies serve as a foundation for training programs and guidelines in
Psychological First Aid and are essential for individuals who provide support to those
affected by crises and disasters.

By mastering these competencies, practitioners can effectively assist individuals in

coping with the immediate psychological impact of traumatic events and promote their
overall well-being and resilience.