Accident simulation as a new therapy technique for post-traumatic stress disorder. A case study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Aviation Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Post-traumatic stress reactions are common in aviation accident survivors.
• Severe stress, including guilt and performance anxiety, can manifest rapidly after traumatic events.

Observation:

• A helicopter pilot experienced acute stress reactions, including guilt, nightmares, and fear of flying, within a week of surviving a crash.
• Clinical interviews and psychological testing documented the pilot's condition.

Findings:

• Simulator training, simulating a helicopter crash into water, was employed as a therapeutic intervention.
• The primary therapeutic benefit observed was the extinction of traumatic helplessness.
• The training also reestablished a positive response-outcome expectancy in the pilot.

Implications:

• Simulator-based training can be effective in treating acute stress reactions and performance anxiety in aviators.
• Limitations exist, as simulator training did not address underlying existential conflicts.
• Further research is needed to explore comprehensive treatment approaches for aviation trauma.