Researchers from Mercer University and several other Universities recently published a review analysis of the effects of extreme weather events (weather disasters) on children’s mental health following the disaster, and plans and techniques that communities can use when preparing for disasters. They looked at many kinds of weather disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, droughts, and floods. The lead author, Dr. Jennifer Barkin from Mercer University also wrote a post about it for Climate For Health.
They report that extreme weather events are associated with:
* Up to 71% of children experience post-traumatic stress symptoms
* Depression and anxiety often occur with the post-traumatic stress
* Externalizing behaviors such as aggression
* Changes in attachment as adults due to being separated from parents during the disaster
* Problems with learning at school
* Adolescent substance use
* Only 1/3 children or fewer get counseling after a disaster.
Longer term problems included:
* Emotional distress
* Mood symptoms
* Substance use
* Changes in attachment style
And there’s good news: the researchers found things that helped protect children from some of the psychological problems after weather disasters. These include:
* Family resilience and social support
* Acculturation and coping efficacy
* Screening and treatment after a disaster
* Positive reappraisal, a coping technique
* Dispositional mindfulness, another coping technique
They report on several recommendations for families and communities, that can be used in advance to prepare for weather disasters:
* interventions from community to individual level
* post-disaster screening and treatment
* coping techniques such as positive reappraisal or dispoitional mindfulness
Because the climate is changing, more and more weather and natural disasters are occuring. Communities, schools, families, and disaster agencies can use this information to prepare in advance to help children during and after a disaster.
Read a website post about the article from the lead author, Dr. Barkin.
Please read the full article here, it has lots more details that are very useful.
05/26/2021
