| Do no harm: toward contextually appropriate psychosocial support in international emergencies. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19899908 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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In the aftermath of international emergencies caused by natural disasters or armed conflicts, strong needs exist for psychosocial support on a large scale. Psychologists have developed and applied frameworks and tools that have helped to alleviate suffering and promote well-being in emergency settings. Unfortunately, psychological tools and approaches are sometimes used in ways that cause unintended harm. In a spirit of prevention and wanting to support critical self-reflection, the author outlines key issues and widespread violations of the do no harm imperative in emergency contexts. Prominent issues include contextual insensitivity to issues such as security, humanitarian coordination, and the inappropriate use of various methods; the use of an individualistic orientation that does not fit the context and culture; an excessive focus on deficits and victimhood that can undermine empowerment and resilience; the use of unsustainable, short-term approaches that breed dependency, create poorly trained psychosocial workers, and lack appropriate emphasis on prevention; and the imposition of outsider approaches. These and related problems can be avoided by the use of critical self-reflection, greater specificity in ethical guidance, a stronger evidence base for intervention, and improved methods of preparing international humanitarian psychologists. |
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Authors:
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Michael G Wessells |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The American psychologist Volume: 64 ISSN: 1935-990X ISO Abbreviation: Am Psychol Publication Date: 2009 Nov |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2009-11-10 Completed Date: 2010-02-17 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0370521 Medline TA: Am Psychol Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 842-54 Citation Subset: IM |
Copyright Information:
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Copyright 2009 by the American Psychological Association |
Affiliation:
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Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University and Psychology Department, Randolph-Macon College, USA. mwessell@rmc.edu |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Altruism* Crime Victims / psychology Crisis Intervention* / ethics Cultural Characteristics Dependency (Psychology) Emergencies / psychology* Ethics, Professional Humans International Cooperation* Power (Psychology) Relief Work Resilience, Psychological Social Support* Social Values United States |
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