Managing the Psychological Aftermath of School Incidents

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BackgroundFollowing a traumatic incident: Students and school personnel may exhibit

symptoms of psychological stress. Reactions will vary by age group. Many victims will successfully cope with the

traumatic experience over time. A small percentage may continue to exhibit

trauma symptoms, which can indicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Addressing Psychological Trauma Identify at-risk students and school

personnel. Develop partnerships with local mental

health practitioners. Strengthen and encourage peer support.

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Supporting Recovery Encourage students to talk about disaster-

related events. Promote positive coping and problem-

solving skills. Encourage friendship and peer support

among students.

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Preschool and Elementary: SymptomsCommon symptoms of psychological trauma include: Thumb sucking Sleep disturbances Clinginess Loss of appetite Regression in behavior Irritability or aggressiveness Withdrawal School avoidance Poor concentration

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Preschool and Elementary: StrategiesHelp students recover by: Planning activities (e.g., scrapbooks) to help

students organize chaotic and confusing feelings and events.

Encouraging physical activity to relieve tension and anxiety.

Asking students to draw, write, or listen to stories about the incident, then discuss their feelings.

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Middle and High School: SymptomsCommon symptoms of psychological trauma include: Sleep disturbances Eating disturbances Agitation Increase in conflicts Physical complaints Delinquent behavior Poor concentration

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Middle and High School: StrategiesHelp students recover by: Following the basic strategies described for

younger students. Using art, music, or poetry to describe

experiences and express feelings. Encouraging students to keep a journal, or

write and produce a play or a video.

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www.extension.uiuc.eduwww.nimh.nih.gov

www.nasponline.orgwww.fema.gov

Prevention Resources

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School Emergency Operations Plan

Are these procedures

complete and current?

What sections of the school EOP relate to psychological trauma

and recovery?

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Next Steps

How can we improve our efforts to address psychological trauma

after a school incident?