Discussion Question

In an ever-changing climate, both geopolitically and naturally, clinicians must consider current events as major contributors to the expression of psychopathology, determining if a client’s behavior or functioning reflects psychopathology or is a normal reaction to the client’s experiences enduring of crisis.

In this discussion assignment, select a global crisis or event (acute or ongoing) that has occurred in the last 10 years that has impacted a community members’ psychological functioning. Select an event that is outside of your own community and cultural group. Describe the psychological impact that was evidenced in those who experienced the event / crisis (hint: use news reports, podcasts, articles, etc. to find these descriptions).

Discuss how the community members’ functioning might fit with a trauma crisis model. In what ways do you see evidence of a trauma response and in what ways do you see evidence of resilience?

If you were a clinician for a survivor of this crisis, how would you determine if responses were psychopathological or simply normal responses? How does the community members’ culture and experience in their community system (including historical experiences) impact their post-crisis response, as well?