A Case Study of Psychosocial Support: Programs in Response to the 2004 Asia Tsunami

Abstract

This case study presents and discusses the psychosocial support program (PSP) that was conducted in the Republic of Maldives following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster. The PSP intervention included providing psychological first-aid training to counsellors and teachers, modifying a teacher's manual and training teachers to share its contents with peers, and conducting a training workshop so that professionals could take over the implementation of the PSP. This article also examines the five strategies involved in general PSPs, which include: using a community-based approach; ensuring that interventions are contextually, culturally, and linguistically appropriate; empowerment; community participation; and active involvement. This review found that PSPs were effective during the emergency and reconstruction phases of disasters. It also underscores the importance of community involvement, and ensuring that PSPs are contextually and culturally appropriate.