Thai cave rescue: psychological effects
6 July 2018
Five days since they were discovered in a cave in Thailand, the 12 young football players and their coach remain
trapped, with no simple way out.
Rescuers are debating whether to try and keep the boys in place for several months to wait out monsoon season or to try and get them out before the rain sets in — when the cave risks further flooding.
It's been reported some of the boys and the coach
are too weak and exhausted to move.
The Science Media Centre gathered expert commentary on the evolving situation. Please feel free to use these comments in
your reporting. Further commentary will be posted on our (new) website
Associate Professor Sarb Johal, Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University and GNS Science, comments:
Note: This is clearly a rapidly evolving situation and decisions are being taken on the ground, so note that this was
written on Friday afternoon, NZ time.
"From the perspective of those boys and their coach, the relief of being found may co-exist with the knowledge that they
remain stuck and that their future remains uncertain. It’s hard to know for certain what they do and do not know about
their chances of rescue in the short term, and how they may adapt to trying to deal with the possibility that rising
floods waters may be a threat to their ability to survive their ordeal, or that they may remain trapped for weeks or
months while people figure out the best plan or action.
"What we know from the research literature means that we can make an educated guess that the boys may experience
feelings of helplessness, fear, confusion and anxiety are likely, as well as worries that their situation may become
hopeless. Added on top of that may be the feelings of guilt that the coach may experience, even though it is clear that
he has sacrificed his self-care to try to prioritise the wellbeing of the boys in his care.
"We also know that the physical circumstances in which the boys and their coach are trapped also have the potential to
cause harm. The lack of daylight over this period of time means that they may not only be psychologically disoriented,
but that many of their basic physiological functions that depend upon circadian rhythms will be disturbed, such as
sleep, hormonal functioning, core temperature, their feeding and drinking, and also how their gastrointestinal systems
might be functioning.
"Safe removal and disposal of their faeces is important in thinking about infection control in the very closed
environment that they’re in. There may also be other sources of infection in the underground cave system that might be a
threat, particularly if their immune systems are compromised through malnutrition and lack of sleep.
"If circadian-based lighting can be established in the cave - should the boys actually have to establish themselves
there for a long period or time - that may help to regularise some of these bodily functions and go a long way to
helping to develop some kind of routine in day-to-day living in this extraordinary situation. Synchronising routines
with the outside world through light and daily patterns of living might also be a powerful connection to establish a
sense of hope.
"When thinking about trying to provide support to people involved in disasters, we know that social connection is one of
the biggest predictors of better outcomes for those involved. So, attempts to establish reliable means of communication
between the trapped boys and coach and their families and loved ones can only help, and the sooner that is provided the
better - not only for those directly involved but also for the communities to which they belong also.
"Support for each other when they are trapped is also important - but situations may also become fraught when forced to
stay together for an extended period of time with so much uncertainty and likely stress. It’s hard to know how it will
play out but critical points may emerge, such as who may be selected to attempt escape first and how those choices are
made. There are no easy answers to such dilemmas, and there may be many more to come.
"From the perspective of the families and communities involved, the activity and number of rescue teams involved may be
perceived as both heartening and reassuring but also frustrating. With so many resources brought to bear and available,
progress is slow because of the complex nature of the unfolding situation. Again, good communication with their loved
ones is important, as well as support - both from their own contacts and professional supports too if necessary - to
help them to cope with the situation, and for them to be helpful and supportive for their loved ones trapped below.
"From the perspective of the rescuers, including the divers who have established contact with the trapped boys and
coach, it is likely to be a time of mixed emotions. Joy at being able to find them alive, yet mixed with the reality of
the challenge that lies before everyone in trying to extract them to safety. Drawing from the established body of
research, it is likely that they and other members of the rescue teams will need care and support for their own
wellbeing as this situation unfolds."
No conflicts of interest.