Psychological challenges

Question 1

In psychology, how is ‘trauma’ primarily defined?

Answer 1

By the individual’s subjective experience of an event.

Question 2

What are the three emotions defining a traumatic event per DSM-IV?

Answer 2

Fear, helplessness, and horror.

Question 3

What is the duration requirement for an Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) diagnosis?

Answer 3

2 days to 4 weeks (occurring within 4 weeks of the event).

Question 4

What is the duration requirement for a PTSD diagnosis?

Answer 4

Symptoms lasting more than 1 month.

Question 5

What is the most common dissociative symptom in ASD?

Answer 5

A sense of numbing, detachment, or absence of emotional responsiveness.

Question 6

What percentage of individuals typically develop PTSD after noncombat trauma?

Answer 6

8% to 12%.

Question 7

What percentage of people with ASD eventually develop PTSD?

Answer 7

72% to 83%.

Question 8

What is the strongest predictor of long-term psychological difficulties?

Answer 8

Lack of social support.

Question 9

Define ‘Hardiness’ in the context of resilience.

Answer 9

A combination of confidence, commitment, and seeing stress as a challenge.

Question 10

What is ‘Self-enhancement’?

Answer 10

Maintaining a positive self-view to reduce stress and utilize social networks.

Question 11

How does ‘Positive Emotion’ aid recovery?

Answer 11

It allows for ‘frequent pauses’ from distress through laughter or joy.

Question 12

What is the primary goal of Crisis Intervention?

Answer 12

To reduce immediate distress and reestablish independence.

Question 13

What is the ‘consultant’ role in crisis intervention?

Answer 13

The intervenor acts as an empathetic guide rather than a formal therapist.

Question 14

Who is the ‘point person’ for the Psychological Emergency Response Team?

Answer 14

The Athletic Trainer (AT).

Question 15

What is the main purpose of an Educational Intervention?

Answer 15

To normalize expected response patterns and reduce helplessness.

Question 16

What does ‘CISD’ stand for?

Answer 16

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.

Question 17

When should a group debriefing (CISD) take place?

Answer 17

After memorial services or official proceedings (not during the crisis).

Question 18

What is the ‘Golden Rule’ of psychological intervention timing?

Answer 18

Physical/medical needs must be addressed before psychological ones.

Question 19

Why did some burn victims fare worse with early psychological debriefing?

Answer 19

They were still in physical pain and lacked the resources to process trauma.

Question 20

What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Answer 20

A therapy focusing on restructuring thoughts and exposure to trauma cues.

Question 21

How many CBT sessions are typically recommended in the first month post-trauma?

Answer 21

A minimum of five sessions.

Question 22

What is an ‘Anniversary Reaction’?

Answer 22

Distress that resurfaces on the date the traumatic event occurred.

Question 23

When should follow-up screenings occur?

Answer 23

At 6 months and 12 months post-event.

Question 24

What is ‘Compassion Fatigue’?

Answer 24

Diminished empathy in caregivers due to exposure to others’ trauma.

Question 25

Who are the internal members of the emergency response team?

Answer 25

ATs, Team Physician, Sport Psychologist, and Coaches.

Question 26

What is the primary role of the Team Physician in a psych emergency?

Answer 26

Medical/psychiatric evaluation and potential medication management.

Question 27

What defines the 'High Risk' group after a team tragedy?

Answer 27

Those who witnessed the event or were close to the victim (e.g., roommates).

Question 28

What is 'Derealization'?

Answer 28

A dissociative symptom where the external world feels strange or unreal.

Question 29

What is 'Depersonalization'?

Answer 29

A dissociative symptom where one feels detached from their own body.

Question 30

What is the purpose of 'Role-Playing' for the response team?

Answer 30

To ensure efficiency and clarify roles before a real crisis occurs.

Question 31

Is group debriefing (CISD) mandatory for all athletes?

Answer 31

No, it should always be voluntary.

Question 32

What is a 'Mild' risk factor for trauma?

Answer 32

Family history of psychiatric problems or childhood adversity.

Question 33

What is a 'Significant' risk factor for trauma?

Answer 33

Extreme dissociation during or immediately after the event.

Question 34

What is 'Psychological Triage'?

Answer 34

The process of identifying who needs immediate vs. delayed mental health care.

Question 35

What is the goal of 'Normalization'?

Answer 35

Helping the athlete understand their distress is a common reaction to an uncommon event.

Question 36

What is the 'Search for Meaning' phase?

Answer 36

When an athlete tries to understand why the event happened (part of CBT).

Question 37

What is 'Hyperarousal' in PTSD?

Answer 37

Being easily startled, irritable, or having difficulty sleeping.

Question 38

What is 'Avoidance' in PTSD?

Answer 38

Staying away from places, people, or thoughts that remind one of the trauma.

Question 39

What is the benefit of a Sport Psychologist on the team?

Answer 39

They can pivot from performance consulting to crisis counseling.

Question 40

Why should an AT not be the primary debriefer?

Answer 40

Their role is to manage the care plan and maintain their existing relationship.

Question 41

What is the 'subjective' nature of trauma?

Answer 41

Two people can see the same event but only one may be traumatized.

Question 42

What does 'Step 1' of the 4-step care protocol involve?

Answer 42

Providing safety, food, and medical stabilization.

Question 43

What does 'Step 2' of the 4-step care protocol involve?

Answer 43

Monitoring and screening for those not recovering naturally.

Question 44

What does 'Step 3' of the 4-step care protocol involve?

Answer 44

Implementing formal CBT or group debriefing protocols.

Question 45

What does 'Step 4' of the 4-step care protocol involve?

Answer 45

Terminating the intervention and scheduling long-term follow-ups.

Question 46

What is a 'Trauma Cue'?

Answer 46

A smell, sound, or sight that triggers a memory of the traumatic event.

Question 47

What is 'Re-experiencing'?

Answer 47

Flashbacks or nightmares where the person feels they are back in the trauma.

Question 48

What is the 'consultative' model of care?

Answer 48

Empowering the athlete to make their own recovery decisions.

Question 49

Why is social support considered a 'Moderate' to 'Significant' factor?

Answer 49

It is the most consistent predictor of whether someone will recover or struggle.

Question 50

What is 'Spontaneous Recovery'?

Answer 50

The natural healing process where most people recover from stress without therapy.