Issues in the debriefing debate for the emergency services: Moving research outcomes forward.

Despite over 20 years of research, the efficacy of group psychological debriefing remains unresolved. The present review outlines a clear strategy to answer this empirical question. Rather than critically evaluating individual studies, the critique focuses on methodological and conceptual shortcomings that have prevented research in this area from progressing. An organizing framework is provided within which the key issues are identified, clarified, and linked to guidelines for future research, which should foster greater understanding about the empirical side of the debriefing debate. Together, promoting clarity and understanding, as well as specifying guidelines for future research, represent the foundation for a path forward in this area.