From crisis to reconstruction: an ecological model

De la crisis a la reconstrucción: un modelo ecológico

This presentation is based on a model developed by the author in Natal, The Israeli Support Center for Victims of Psychotrauma, as a response to the recent events including the withdrawal from Lebanon and the renewal of violence between Israel and the Palestinians. The model deals with the needs of communities facing severe ongoing stress and uncertainty by addressing ontogenic developmental factors (the individual); microsystemic factors (the family); exosystemic factors (the community) and macrosystemic factors (the society and culture) to use Belsky's terminology (1980). It focuses on enhancing community resources and providing victims with coping strategies on all of the above levels.

This model has been implemented within Israel in four communities, which were exposed to different types and degrees of distress ranging from shelling and shootings to ethnic attacks and terror bombs. The communities were both Arab and Jewish and the participants were both professionals and non-professionals. Initial impressions and data as to its efficacy will be provided. The presenter will address the benefits and limitations of this preventive model and will open for discussions major issues regarding preventive community interventions.