
Book contents
- Frontline Crisis Response
- Frontline Crisis Response
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- 1 Operational Dilemmas in Frontline Crisis Response
- 2 Leadership
- 3 Sensemaking
- 4 Acting
- 5 Ethics
- 6 Emotions
- 7 Ties
- 8 Structures
- 9 Coordination
- 10 Civilians
- 11 Technology
- 12 Goals
- 13 Advancing Research on Frontline Crisis Response
- References
- Index
6 - Emotions
Involvement versus Detachment
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 September 2023
- Frontline Crisis Response
- Frontline Crisis Response
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- 1 Operational Dilemmas in Frontline Crisis Response
- 2 Leadership
- 3 Sensemaking
- 4 Acting
- 5 Ethics
- 6 Emotions
- 7 Ties
- 8 Structures
- 9 Coordination
- 10 Civilians
- 11 Technology
- 12 Goals
- 13 Advancing Research on Frontline Crisis Response
- References
- Index
Summary
The emotions of frontline responders are traditionally viewed as problematic, because emotions are seen as distractive and impediments to an efficient pursuit of optimal crisis response outcomes. In addition, personal involvement in the situation might result in trauma since responders are often unable to prevent tragedy and suffering. Dissociation from the response, instead, might best enable responders to cope with traumatic experiences and avoid negative psychological consequences. Yet, compassion and altruism give meaning to their work for many responders and can improve their customized care to those in need. Detachment, moreover, is rarely fully effective. The emotional attitude of crisis responders, therefore, poses a dilemma. It is useful to note that emotions are diverse in nature and intensity. This means that there is room to explore how to manage emotions in such a way that feelings of empathy and involvement are enabled without responders succumbing to it. In any case, it requires unwavering organizational and team support.
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- Information
- Frontline Crisis ResponseOperational Dilemmas in Emergency Services, Armed Forces, and Humanitarian Organizations, pp. 83 - 99Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2023
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