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Working with traumatic material: effects on Holocaust Memorial Museum staff
J E McCarroll1, A S Blank, K Hill
1Department of Military Psychiatry, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, D.C., USA.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Workers preparing for the Holocaust Museum opening experienced distress from disturbing artifacts. Psychological consultation and interventions were used to reduce this distress among museum staff and volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Museum Studies
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- The opening of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 1993 involved staff and volunteers exposed to sensitive materials.
- Exposure to Holocaust artifacts can elicit psychological distress in individuals working with them.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the psychological consultation process during the museum's preparation.
- To discuss interventions aimed at reducing distress in museum workers and volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Psychological consultation was provided to staff and volunteers.
- Intervention strategies were developed and implemented to mitigate psychological impact.
Main Results:
- The study details the psychological support provided during a high-stress period.
- Interventions were designed to manage and lower distress levels effectively.
Conclusions:
- Psychological consultation is crucial for institutions handling traumatic historical content.
- Proactive interventions can safeguard the well-being of staff and volunteers exposed to sensitive materials.
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