Chinese psychologists are concerned about the possible mental trauma for people --- especially the children --- affected by the strong earthquake that hit Sichuan province on May 12. They are offering aid to those people.
In an interview with People's Daily Online on Monday, Lin Chun, a psychological research fellow with the Chinese Academy of Science, said that some of his colleagues were already in the quake-struck areas; and he would join the third group to go there very soon.
Lin said four kinds of people may be hurt psychologically in such a disaster: the wounded, relatives of those dead, rescuers and media viewers of the tragedy. But the most urgent task is to help children and their parents.
The most important thing now, according to Lin, is to help traumatized children restore their sense of security. This will be done by keeping them company; listening to them; and offering physical closeness. It is also important to encourage them to support each other under the instruction of psychological professionals.
This sense of security is also what adults need. Fear and grief, said Lin, are probably the biggest concerns within a month after a tragedy occurs. As survivors still expect miracles of finding their missing relatives alive, it is particularly important to inform them about the latest development in rescue efforts. It will be helpful if volunteers tell them the whole country, and even the world, cares them --- that they are not alone.
Lin also called for proper restraint from the media. Positive reports will help restore confidence in life. Too much exposure to bloody scenes may result in greater psychological damage to both people in disaster-hit areas and people who watch those scenes through the media.
In the US, for example, when the clip showing the 9.11 terrorist attack was repeatedly broadcast, people became more vulnerable psychologically.
China is in a three-day national mourning period. Lin believes that this arrangement is helpful in healing psychological injuries. On one hand, it offers an outlet of grief for people. On the other hand, it will contribute to strengthen a feeling of unity and confidence among people.
By People's Daily Online
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