The catastrophe which took place last 24 August in Amatrice (in the centre of Italy) is widely known. Over 250 people died because of a 6 magnitude earthquake and several subsequent ones. The events were lived under great astonishment during the following weeks due to the fact that, up to a few days ago, the rescue forces were still finding bodies. In this situation, the victims’ families have to face a very hard emotional shock. Hence, we want to highlight the importance of psychologists in such difficult moments.
12 september 2016
According to M.P Barreto, professor at the Universitat de València; and M. C. Soler, clinical psychologist at the hospitals Dr. Moliner and Arnau de Vilanova, psychological reaction to death is known as the “mourning process” and makes reference to emotional pain experienced after the loss of an important person in our lives. This is usually understood as a natural process, with a limited duration and which tends to evolve favourably through time until the person achieves to get over it. However, it is not always like this.
Psychological reaction to death is known as the “mourning process” and makes reference to emotional pain experienced after the loss of an important person in our lives
The authors of a study entitled “Apoyo psicológico en el sufrimiento causado por las pérdidas: el duelo” (Psychological support in suffering caused by losses: mourning) ensure that it is not a psychological alteration and that in the best of cases, results in a greater degree of matureness and personal growth. We all feel pain when someone we love dies but, in some cases, such pain can become psychical diseases. There is no estimated time -around one and two years- for “mourning” as it depends on several factors. What we do know is that the transition occurs when intense pain turns into affective memories.
For this transition to be positive, the psychologist is crucial in order to support the victims and, hence, determine if they suffer some type of complication which could develop in further problems during the “mourning” process. Hence, the professional requires knowledge which allow to establish what those factors may be (situational, personal or interpersonal). Depending on those, the medical strategy to be followed will be different. However, it is equally important to know all the risk factors and to detect those which can protect the ones suffering.
They both highlight that “effective clinical intervention has always been equally relevant to the rescue and promotion of a person’s resources and attention to deficits they may show”.
Effective clinical intervention has always been equally relevant to the rescue and promotion of a person’s resources and attention to deficits they may show
Coping Strategies
There are two types of strategies: one addressing the problem and another one centred in emotions. Likewise, we can highlight intrapersonal, interpersonal and integrating models. Regarding the first one, the authors talk about the Theory of Worden; for the second model they refer to Neimeyer’s constructivism, who questions the need of re-building the world’s vision from the dead one’s absence. Lastly, the third one is represented by Bonanno and Stroebe, who emphasize the importance of affection links.
However, none of the models have evolve towards studies which clearly indicates the role of such strategies when coping with “mourning”. Yet, Benight’s, Flores’ and Tashiro’s findings show that “mourning effectively ensures psychological and spiritual welfare and health perception”, explained Soler and Barreto.
None of the models have evolve towards studies which clearly indicates the role of such strategies when coping with “mourning”
Another aspect would be that of the protectors extracted from the risk factors: family support, work or economic welfare. But a risk factor does not always act as a protector. According to the authors, it is necessary to empirically value their role. As we can observe, intervention to people suffering is very wide as it encompasses all the “mourning” process. But, according to them, it is necessary to clear the role of the professional. It is important for the health worker no to turn into the deceased’s substitute. It is also important to avoid easy condolences or easy idioms.
It is important for the health worker no to turn into the deceased’s substitute. It is also important to avoid easy condolences or easy idioms.
“It is necessary to be clear about the fact that the intervention's objective is not to “forget” the loved one but to “find” a place in the psychological space for him and life challenges. On the other hand, attention to mourning shall find equilibrium between stimulating trailer and resecting the person’s personal rhythm”, stated Soler and Barreto. In this sense, the working frame shall be that of Counselling. But, we need to highlight that this treatment is only positive for the one who requires it; not everyone responds equally, because some people tend to remain within their pathology.
