Cognitive–behavioral group therapy for bereaved adults and children following an air disaster.

On September 8, 1994, USAir Flight 427 from Chicago crashed on its descent to the Pittsburgh International Airport. All 132 passengers and crew were killed. This crash was unique in that more than 80% of the victims were residents of the greater Pittsburgh area. In this regard, the need for professional intervention became vital. Group intervention allowed the professionals to promptly serve a large number of affected families. It was hypothesized that the group experience would lead to bonding and support that would persist beyond the time limits of the group. A group-based intervention program for adult and child survivors is described, including its administrative structure, therapeutic objectives and interventions, and group process. A direct outcome of this group was the establishment of The USAir Flight 427 Disaster Support League and, subsequently, the development of the National Air Disaster Alliance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)