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6 - Emotions

Involvement versus Detachment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 September 2023

Jori P. Kalkman
Affiliation:
Netherlands Defense Academy
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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.

Type
Chapter
Information
Frontline Crisis Response
Operational Dilemmas in Emergency Services, Armed Forces, and Humanitarian Organizations
, pp. 83 - 99
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Emotions
  • Jori P. Kalkman, Netherlands Defense Academy
  • Book: Frontline Crisis Response
  • Online publication: 28 September 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009262170.006
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  • Emotions
  • Jori P. Kalkman, Netherlands Defense Academy
  • Book: Frontline Crisis Response
  • Online publication: 28 September 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009262170.006
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Emotions
  • Jori P. Kalkman, Netherlands Defense Academy
  • Book: Frontline Crisis Response
  • Online publication: 28 September 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009262170.006
Available formats
×