A preliminary evaluation of the training effects of a didactic and simulation-based psychological first aid program in students and school counselors in South Korea

PLoS One. 2017 Jul 17;12(7):e0181271. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181271. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the training effects of a didactic and simulation-based psychological first aid (PFA) program. Based on the competency-based model, the study sought to examine whether the PFA training would enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Study 1 examined the training effects of the PFA program in a sample of undergraduate and graduate students in psychology. Study 2 was conducted with school counselors. In both studies, all participants completed a one-day PFA workshop with a 3-hour didactic lecture and a 3-hour simulation-based practice. Assessments were conducted prior to the didactic lecture and upon completion of the simulation-based practice. In study 1, an examination of pre- and posttest comparisons indicated that the training significantly improved students' PFA knowledge and perceived competence in PFA skill. In study 2, the same PFA training significantly improved school counselors' PFA knowledge, perceived competence in PFA skill, perceived preparedness and confidence to provide psychological assistance for future disasters, but their perceived willingness to participate in psychological assistance did not significantly change after the training. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of the PFA training program using a combined method of didactic and simulation-based practice for disaster mental health providers in Korea.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Counselors* / psychology
  • Disaster Planning
  • Education, Graduate
  • Female
  • First Aid*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Learning*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychological Trauma / therapy
  • Psychology / education
  • Republic of Korea
  • Students* / psychology
  • Universities
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This study was supported by a grant of the Korean Mental Health Technology R&D Project, Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (HM15C1189). The funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.