title: Linking human systems: strengthening individuals, families, and communities in the wake of mass trauma.
abstract: This article presents an overview of the philosophy and practical principles underlying the Linking Human Systems Approach based on the theory of resilience in individuals, families, and communities facing crisis, trauma, and disaster. The Link Approach focuses on tapping into the inherent strength of individuals and their families and emphasizes resilience rather than vulnerability. It has been successfully used in combating critical public health problems, such as addiction, HIV/AIDS, and recovery from major trauma or disaster. Also, three specific models of Link intervention aimed at the individual, family, and community levels are discussed, with special emphasis on the family-level intervention. These interventions are directed toward mobilizing resources for long-term physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing.
authors.affiliation: Linking Human Systems, LLC, and LINC Foundation, Boulder, CO 80301, USA. jlandau@linkinghumansystems.com
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Landau
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wieling
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D019058:Community Networks; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008602:Mental Healing; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011314:Preventive Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D013534:Survival / Q000523:psychology; D023481:Terrorism / Q000523:psychology; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology