Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of psychological counselling on victims with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the Rana Plaza tragedy. Data was collected from two different groups using the Impact of Event Scale translated and validated in Bengali. Participants of one group consist of 50 who received life skills training and the other group of 71 who had no such training. PTSD was significantly reduced in both groups of the participants after receiving 6 consecutive sessions of psychological counselling, t(120) = 17.11, p<.05.  Statistical significance was observed in the effectiveness of counselling between the two groups indicating the impact of counselling is enhanced among the individuals with life skill training. Significant outcome was observed in the impact of counselling when considering factors such as, educational level, and their profession, skilled or unskilled.  Moreover, present employment status had a significant impact. Financial aid was beneficial to certain extent without any doubt, hence the results of this research helped to understand the effectiveness of psychological treatment and the necessity of providing such support alongside life skills.

Key words: Counselling, posttraumatic stress disorder, disaster, survivors.