Commentary on "Does psychoeducation help prevent post traumatic psychological distress?" Dose and fit are vital to intervention success.
The effectiveness of psychoeducational intervention following trauma and mass casualty is rightfully questioned by Wessely and colleagues in this issue. Their consideration of the empirical evidence for and against psychoeducation is well-timed, given the increase in such interventions. However, their mostly empirical critique may be aided by further consideration of ecological and resource theories that underpin the likeliness of intervention and psychoeducation success in this instance. Consideration of psychoeducation within the model of ecological congruence including needs of the target population, timing of the trauma and treatment, and the cultural context are critical. The intervention "dose," in terms of type, timing, and amount of the intervention must fit the needs of the population. The current commentary emphasizes the need for all interventions to either bring new resources or activate or allow existing resources to be utilized, and it highlights the need for a consideration of the event-intervention fit.
Hobfoll
Stevan E
SE
Department of Behavioral Sciences, Rush Medical College, Ohio, USA. Stevan_Hobfoll@Rush.edu
Walter
Kristen H
KH
Horsey
Katie J
KJ
D004834:Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors