Part 1: Children's Psychological Responses to Disasters

Abstract

Reviews children's psychological responses to disasters and puts relevant work in historical perspective. Common responses include specific fears, separation difficulties, sleep problems, and symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After severe exposure, diagnosable PTSD, anxiety, and depression may occur. Factors influencing responses include disaster characteristics (exposure severity, extent of bereavement and other losses, separation from significant others), children's age and sex, and characteristics of family and community. Symptoms typically decrease rapidly, and recovery generally is complete by 18 months to 3 years except after severe life-threat or long-term family and community disruption.