Threat to life is associated with the highest risk
Those people who actually sustain injury than those not injured
Those who were in closest proximity to the disaster
Those who experienced personal loss through the disaster
Those with a history of recent personal loss
Those with prior emotional and behavioral problems
Those with support systems that are unable to provide safety and a
consistent way to understand and process events related to disaster
(for a variety of reasons)
Those who have less access to groups that provide a mechanism for
organized processing of the disaster (e.g., community groups, religious
groups, etc.)
Those who may be targeted for criticism or ostracized for a variety
of reasons
When to consider referral to a professional:
When problems in adjustment last beyond a few weeks following a disaster
When problems that are often seen as part of the normal response become
severe and relief cannot be achieved in the usual supportive means described
above
When assistance is requested by either the survivor or by the family
