Effects of a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Based on the SIX Cs Model on Acute Stress Responses in a Simulated Emergency
M. FarchiIntroduction
הנה גרסה מקוצרת ל־ רקע תיאורטי בהיקף של כ־300 תווים:
Acute stress reactions (ASR) impair functioning and elevate PTSD risk. Traditional early interventions, like psychological debriefing, proved ineffective. The SIX Cs model offers a cognitive, action-oriented PFA approach—enhancing control, resilience, and recovery while reducing dependence on professionals.
Objectives
This study aimed to test the effectiveness of the SIX Cs model in mitigating acute stress. Objectives were to assess its impact on anxiety, resilience, and HRV, and to examine whether it promotes faster recovery compared to emotion-focused support.
Methods
This study demonstrates that the SIX Cs model of Psychological First Aid effectively reduces acute stress reactions and accelerates recovery compared to emotion-focused support. Participants receiving the intervention showed preserved resilience, stabilized heart rate variability, and lower anxiety. These findings emphasize the value of cognitive activation and structured engagement immediately after exposure to extreme stress. The model’s brevity and simplicity make it accessible for nonprofessionals and first responders, offering a scalable and evidence-based tool to strengthen coping, reduce PTSD risk, and enhance community resilience in emergencies.
Results
This study demonstrates that the SIX Cs model of Psychological First Aid effectively reduces acute stress reactions and accelerates recovery compared to emotion-focused support. Participants receiving the intervention showed preserved resilience, stabilized heart rate variability, and lower anxiety. These findings emphasize the value of cognitive activation and structured engagement immediately after exposure to extreme stress. The model’s brevity and simplicity make it accessible for nonprofessionals and first responders, offering a scalable and evidence-based tool to strengthen coping, reduce PTSD risk, and enhance community resilience in emergencies.
Image 2: Long description.