Addressing the Psychosocial Elements of Slow Motion Technological Disasters

Purpose

This manual and its presentation slides offer comprehensive strategies for addressing psychosocial issues in chronically contaminated communities. Based on Hernandez & Sedler (2003), they are designed to educate diverse professionals on this topic.

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Resource information

Two Types of Technological Disaster Slides | Children and Slow-Motion Technological Disasters Manual

Target audiences

  • Community leaders
  • Physicians
  • Public health professionals
  • Emergency managers
  • Mental health professionals
  • Environmental professionals
  • Local government

Target situation

Professionals and community leaders use these slides to sensitively address psychosocial issues in communities experiencing chronic environmental contamination.

The slides can be used in conjunction with the manual.

Main objectives

Secondary objectives

  • Legitimize Stress
  • Communicate Risk
  • Community Preparation
  • Long-Term Interventions
  • Re-traumatization & Chronic Stress
  • Community Engagement
  • Informal Outreach Mechanisms

Resource type

  • Presentation slides
  • Manual or guide

Publication year

2003

Case studies

Presentation repeatedly uses the case of asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana, as a case study to demonstrate principles and strategies.

Additional reading

American Journal of Community Psychology: The role of social toxicity in responses to a slowly-evolving environmental disaster: The case of amphibole asbestos exposure in Libby, Montana, USA.