Debriefing - werden die Opfer geschädigt?

Abstract An analysis of the literature regarding the effects of debriefing on the development of PTSD shows that on the whole debriefing is without effect as a means of preventive intervention. A few studies found a negative effect (increase of PTSD symptoms) and showed that for some trauma victims debriefing is harmful. Hypothesesas to for which groups of trauma victims debriefing is good or bad are discussed. A proposal for a specific use of debriefing - a target group-oriented use of debriefing - to increase the effects of such a type of crisis intervention is explained.