Psychological First-Aid Interventions and Training in Disaster Response: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Trauma Studies
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a critical early intervention for individuals experiencing acute distress after traumatic events.
• It aims to reduce psychological suffering, enhance coping mechanisms, and facilitate recovery.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge on PFA interventions and training methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on Psychological First Aid interventions.
• To identify key themes and best practices in PFA training programs.
• To provide evidence-based insights for improving PFA delivery and training.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across six electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025.
• Forty-six studies were included based on predefined eligibility criteria.
• Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-step process, was employed to analyze the selected studies.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged regarding PFA interventions: rapid assessment and resource connection, psychoeducation and coping skills, social support provision, and the need for adaptable interventions.
• Five themes were identified for PFA training: the importance of pre-disaster and continuous training, active and reflective listening skills, trauma-informed education, mental health responder support and self-care, and the train-the-trainer model.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight essential components for effective PFA interventions and training programs.
• Implications for clinical practice, professional development, and future research in PFA are discussed.
• The review underscores the need for standardized, adaptable, and well-supported PFA training to enhance mental health response in crisis situations.