The Potential Efficacy of Psychological First Aid on Self-Reported Anxiety and Mood

• DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000000429
• Publication Date: 2016-02-26T08:00:16Z
• Authors: George S. Everly; Jeffrey M. Lating; Martin F. Sherman; Ian Goncher
• Keywords: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Demographics

The authors explored the efficacy of a randomized controlled trial to assess potential benefits psychological first aid (PFA) compared with social acknowledgement condition in sample 42 participants who spoke about stressful life event. Demographics and standardized questionnaires, including state version State Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale Brief Profile Mood States, assessed anxiety mood state. Those PFA group evidenced significantly lower scores at 30-minute postdisclosure than baseline and, although not significant, showed lowered distressed postdisclosure. acknowledgment increases scores, albeit significantly, 30 minutes post disclosure their scores. These results provide preliminary empirical evidence for PFA, implications intervention additional assessment are suggested.