Assignment: Dealing with Stress in Disasters: Building Psychological Resilience

Disasters and emergencies are emotionally charged events that occur with little, if any, warning. They can result in severe life-threatening situations, prevent vast segments of the population access to shelter, food, water, and medical care, and interfere with communication and transportation. Those affected often experience feelings of confusion, fear, hopelessness, sleeplessness, anxiety, grief, shock, guilt, and shame. Local public health workers and emergency responders assume the responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of affected people, helping them cope with the devastating situation, and re-establishing normal function. However, this responsibility can take a heavy toll on public health workers and emergency responders as well, particularly in emotionally charged situations with widespread turmoil. Public health workers and emergency responders should be able to identify and cope with stressful situations and build psychological resilience to mitigate the emotional toll that emergencies and disasters take on them.

After completing this training, students will be able to:

Question A. Summarize the biology and physiology of stress response and the effects on health

Question B. Recognize three major types of stress as categorized by severity and chronicity

Question C. Identify the types of compassion fatigue, risk factors, and coping strategies

Question D. List attributes of psychological resilience and individual coping strategies

Question E. Describe other types of resilience (group, family, community, cultural, organizational)

Question F. Discuss the goals of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and five components when caring for others

This online virtual simulation is free and self-paced. The length to complete is 1.5 hours and contact hours are available from the Massachusetts CHO - Local Public Health Institute of Massachusetts. To access virtual simulation.