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P S Y C H O L OG I C A L S E L F - H E L P G U I D E
F O L L OW I N G A T E R R O R I S T AT TAC K
E D I T O R I A L
M A R Í A PA Z G A R C Í A - V E R A
1
, J E S Ú S S A N Z
2
,
N O E L I A MO R Á N
3
Y C L A R A G E S T E I R A
4
It is clear that terrorism today is a serious global threat that
affects a large number of people every year. After suffering
a terrorist attack, it is very common for people to experien-
ce a variety of emotions that, at the very least, cause dis-
comfort and are not easy to understand.
Experts explain that
"victims include, of course, the decea-
sed (in a terrorist act, in this case), but also those who are
injured (either physically or psychologically), and even their
families, according to an extended use, particularly in our
country, and to their legal coverage. In other words, victims
consist of direct victims, or those affected in a broad sense,
as well as survivors
5
." Recent research data show that the
psychopathological consequences suffered after a terrorist
attack appear both in direct (injured), and indirect (relatives
of the injured and deceased) victims.
6
1. Tenured professor at the Complutense University of Madrid
2. Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid
3. Associate Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid
4. Researcher at the Complutense University of Madrid
5. Rodríguez Uribes, J. M. (2015). The concept of victim of terrorism (pp.
95-96) in Rodríguez Uribes, Victims of terrorism in Spain (pp. 91-116).
Madrid: Dykinson.
6. García-Vera, M. P., and Sanz, J. (2016). Psychopathological effects of
terrorist attacks on adult victims and their treatment: Current status.
Papeles del Psicólogo (Psychology papers), 37, 3-13
This guide has been adapted based on the
modifications contained in the book by Gar-
cía-Vera, M.P, Labrador, F. J., and Larroy, C.
(Eds.) (2008). Psychological support to vic-
tims of terrorist attacks and natural disas-
ters. Self-help guide and psychological inter-
vention guidelines drawn up after the March
11 terrorist attacks. Madrid: Complutense
Publications.