Short-term Intervention and Health Trajectories After Mass Trauma

The Landslide Disaster in Gjerdrum Municipality: Early Intervention and Health Trajectories After Mass Trauma

This study has two aims. The first is to understand more of what may be typical health trajectories after mass trauma for children and adults and what predicts these trajectories. The second is to understand what may be effective early interventions to prevent long-term health and psychosocial problems for youth (6-19). Participants are recruited from an outreach program implemented after a landslide killed 11 persons and destroyed 33 houses in Gjerdrum in Norway. One third of the inhabitants were evacuated. All evacuated are contacted and screened for trauma related difficulties. Those who have significant post-trauma reactions are offered trauma focused interventions.

Two short step-wise interventions are developed for this study as an early intervention after mass trauma based on components from TF-CBT to test the relative importance of dosage and the sequencing of components.

Step 1: 4-5 sessions with stabilization/skill building Step 2: 4-5 sessions with narrative and cognitive processing

Step 1: 4-5 sessions with narrative and cognitive processing Step 2: 4-5 sessions with stabilization/skill building

Participants receive either 4-5 sessions of TF-CBT-Skills or TF-CBT-Narr. If the participant still has significant PTSS they are provided with step two which is the components provided in the arm they did not receive.

Measured with the Child and adolescent trauma screen (CATS). Range 0-60. Higher score means worse outcome.

Measured with Moods and feelings questionaire (MFQ-short). Range 0-13. Higher scores means worse outcome.

Inclusion Criteria: Exposed to the landslide Between 6-19 years old A score of 15 or more on the CATS A score between 11 - 14 on the CATS and have additional problems that have started or worsened after the landslide. Exclusion Criteria: Suicidal Psychotic