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Technological Disaster and the Nontherapeutic Community

A Question of True Victimization

Joanne M. Nigg

School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University.

The importance of a therapeutic community has been proposed as a useful mechanism for overcoming the trauma and stress experienced by disaster victims. This article reviews the origin, components, and applications of the therapeutic community concept for natural disaster situations. The question is raised whether such a mechanism emerges in response to environmental hazards other than rapid onset, natural disaster agents. Using case study data from two technological events, one involving the aerial application of pesticides, and the other the disposal of asbestos tailings, it is concluded that under certain circumstances, the classic therapeutic community is unlikely to develop in technological disasters. The factors mitigating against its development are examined with a primary focus on the question of "true victimization," the formation of victim clusters, and the emergence of community conflict.

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