When helpers need help: A case study on the 2012 earthquakes in Italy

BACKGROUND: After two strong earthquakes in the Emilia region in Italy, many HCWs had to deal with the psychological consequences of the aftershocks. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this case study were a) to describe the psychosocial condition of the HCWs affected by the earthquake; b) to present an interve...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Work (Reading, Mass.) Mass.), 2017-01, Vol.58 (2), p.185-191
Main Authors: Guglielmi, Dina, Vignoli, Michela, Camellini, Lucia, Florini, Maria Cristina, Brunetti, Massimo, Depolo, Marco
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Case studies
Case-Control Studies
Counseling - methods
Counseling - standards
Earthquake damage
Earthquakes
Earthquakes - statistics & numerical data
Female
Humans
Interview, Psychological - methods
Italy
Male
Medical personnel
Middle Aged
Qualitative analysis
Qualitative Research
Seismic activity
Social psychology
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - therapy
Stress, Psychological - etiology
Studies
Surveys and Questionnaires
Workers
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary:BACKGROUND: After two strong earthquakes in the Emilia region in Italy, many HCWs had to deal with the psychological consequences of the aftershocks. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this case study were a) to describe the psychosocial condition of the HCWs affected by the earthquake; b) to present an intervention immediately after the earthquake on HCWs in a post-disaster situation using a mixed-method approach. METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted collecting qualitative data (during Group Counselling sessions) and quantitative data (through questionnaires). RESULTS: The results suggested that the impact of the earthquake was very strong, as more than 80% perceived at least a severe impact event capable of altering their ability to function; most of the thoughts and feelings were related to death and fear. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds knowledge about how to plan interventions aiming to help those workers at both individual and organisational level.
ISSN:1051-9815
1875-9270
DOI:10.3233/WOR-172616