Designing Social Support Systems for Post-Traumatic Events

Psychology Today | 12.08.2026 20:07
The preemptive design of social support systems isn’t solely the responsibility of policymakers and community leaders. It is also the responsibility of parents, friends, neighbors, and us as individuals. Consider the trauma associated with a natural disaster, an event that impacts many all at once in a focused geographic area. We of course need investment and leadership from policymakers and community organizers in the wake of natural disasters, but perhaps more importantly, we need social support from those closest to us. We also need to be prepared to provide good social support where possible.