MASSIVE PSYCHIC TRAUMATIZATION AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

In addition to the individual trauma experienced by the survivors of catastrophic stress situations such as occur in holocaust, war and some natural disasters, the dimension of social trauma due to destruction of social and community bonds is an important source of disturbance which amplifies the traumatic process and retards recovery from it. On the other hand, the presence of social supportive bonds during severe stress can act as a mitigating influence on the traumatic process and protect against its long-term effects. Non-clinical groups of Holocaust survivors are being studied in Israel and England in order to evaluate the presence of social support systems as a central factor in protecting victims of social stress, as well as aiding in their rehabilitation and maintaining their social adaptation. Three time phases in the life cycles of Holocaust survivors are being studied in terms of coping behaviour and social support. © 1979.