Research Exercise Natural Disasters: PTSD Among Children

true

You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.

Research Exercise

Natural Disasters: PTSD Among Children

Natural disasters affect entire communities and can have devastating consequences. After such trauma, many children find that returning to structure and routine reduces anxiety and depressive symptoms. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) developed a “psychological first aid” Tip Sheet for parents to use in the aftermath of natural disasters. Many parents question whether a specific behavior by their child is a “typical” response to such an experience; of course, they also want to know the most appropriate way to respond.

http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/pfa/english/appendix_e5_tips_for_parents_with_preschool_children.pdf

After reading the NCTSN Tip Sheet “Parent Tips for Helping Preschool-Age Children After Disasters,” consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.

1 of 5

Which of the following is NOT an identified sleep problem for preschool children following a disaster?

2 of 5

Which of the following does the Tip Sheet suggest as a response for a parent whose children are having difficulty talking to express themselves following a disaster?

3 of 5

Which of the following is NOT identified as a regressive or “earlier” behavior that some children may exhibit following a disaster?

4 of 5

Given your understanding of trauma and fears in response to natural disasters, name at least two characteristics or experiences that would likely result in long-term difficulties for children.

One possible answer is having their physical safety threatened and losing their home.

5 of 5

What might be some triggers for panic attacks or bouts of anxiety for children in the period after an earthquake?

One possible answer is loud noises, including thunder, and smells of smoke and rubber.

Note: Web links in this activity lead you to external sites. Some URLs change frequently and may appear as broken links. If you encounter a broken link, visit our Web Links page to see if a replacement link is provided or try searching for the article or organization in your Web browser. To report a broken link, contact technical support through the help option in LaunchPad.