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Kevin J. McCarthy, Ph.D.
Louisiana Law Enforcement Family Support Program
1599 Ridgecrest Drive
Slidell, Louisiana 70458
Our newspapers and televisions are rife with stories of crisis, violence and crime, echoing common concerns across the nation. As first responders and primary caregivers we are often confronted with situations calling upon personal skills and coping abilities which may be taxed by an onslaught of competing demands. Navigating those incidents which challenge our abilities and training can produce stress related disorders likely to manifest in psychological and/or physical symptomology resulting in burnout.
A review of the literature suggests that there is limited understanding of the role which desperation plays in the precipitation or expansion of crisis situations. As casual observers we are all familiar with newsworthy events concerning incidents which became unmanageable and explosive when participants became desperate subsequently losing the ability to focus and/or make effective decisions. Once the line of desperation has been traversed it is likely that the crisis has been elevated in an exponential fashion. The resulting shifts in perceptions are likely to promote decisions which are largely ineffectual and may produce life-threatening situations for those involved.
Understanding the dynamic shifts in perception which accompany a sense of growing desperation may lead to the development of strategies which will promote identification and effective coping mechanisms for those involved in the remediation of critical situations. Further by recognizing the hallmarks of desperation in our own responses to overwhelming situations, we may develop a responsive set which fosters awareness of those situations bordering on unmanageability and the integration of a multi-disciplinary approach to situation containment.
The format for this presentation includes an outline of the problem, identification of potential models for recognizing and defusing desperation. Additionally there will be an open participant discussion to elucidate a comprehensive understanding of the psychological dynamics of desperation related to crisis intervention. The presentation material and participant feedback will be synthesized into an publication focused upon the identification and remediation of desperation in crisis situations.