| Formation: | 1985 |
| Type: | Professional association |
| Headquarters: | Brentwood, TN |
| Membership: | 2409 |
| Leader Title: | Executive Director |
| Leader Name: | Diane Elmore Borbon |
| Website: | https://istss.org/ |
The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies is a professional association established on March 2, 1985, in Washington, D.C. It aims to disseminate the state of the science as it pertains to the effects of trauma.
The organization was originally named the Society for Traumatic Stress Studies when it was established at a meeting organized by Charles Figley and held in Washington, D.C. in March 1985. A foundational objective of the society was to publish a journal featuring scholarly work on traumatic stress. This was achieved in July 1986 with the creation of the Journal of Traumatic Stress,[1] whose first issue was published in January 1988.[2] The Society’s first annual meeting was held in Atlanta, GA in September 1985. In April 1990, the society’s name was changed to the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies to reflect its growing non-U.S. membership.[3]
The first edition of its newsletter, StressPoints,[4] which was published in 1986, started with an editorial commenting upon the diversity of opinion expressed in the press about the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, expressing hope that "very soon we can create a national media registry. This would include those most of us would agree are qualified to comment on the psychosocial consequences of traumatic events . . . We hope that by providing the media with a list of qualified experts, the level of public information about human response to catastrophes will be increased substantially.[5]
ISTSS is an international interdisciplinary professional organization that promotes advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress.
This knowledge includes:
The ISTSS Strategic Plan outlines a clear vision and mission for the organization that identifies four major goals for the Society.
ISTSS promotes excellence in research, clinical practice, training, and public health related to experiences of traumatic stress.
ISTSS promotes professional, demographic, cultural and geographic diversity and inclusivity among our membership. We value different perspectives and create an atmosphere of, and opportunities for, respectful dialogue and exchange of ideas and experiences.
ISTSS supports efforts to increase the health and resilience of people and communities globally through the prevention of and response to traumatic stress.
ISTSS’ financial strength provides for the overall economic health of the organization and funding of key priorities and opportunities in alignment with the mission.
The ISTSS Annual Meeting is a global forum for professionals and researchers dedicated to understanding and addressing the impact of trauma. We bring together diverse perspectives to advance scientific knowledge, develop effective treatments, and inform public policy. By bridging the gap between research and practice, we aim to improve the lives of those affected by traumatic stress worldwide.
The ISTSS Annual Meeting provides a forum for the dissemination of theoretical work, scientific research, and evidence-based clinical approaches in traumatic stress studies. The annual meeting also includes work aimed at informing public policy. At the annual meeting, professionals and stakeholders develop and strengthen collaborative relationships to move the field of traumatic stress forward. It is an international and interdisciplinary assembly, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, counselors, researchers, administrators, victim advocates, journalists, clergy, and others with an interest in the study and treatment of traumatic stress.
Each year, the society recognizes the achievements of its members and others dedicated to the field of traumatic stress studies, including students and professionals in research, clinical/patient care settings, media and advocacy. These awards celebrate the efforts of those who work to advance the understanding of trauma and its effects, and honor winners every year at the annual meeting:
Professional Awards
Student & Mentor Awards