Faculty Collaboration Database

Providing Psychosocial Support to Children and Families in the Aftermath of Disasters and Crises. Pediatrics 2015 Oct;136(4):e1120-30

Date

09/16/2015

Pubmed ID

26371193

DOI

10.1542/peds.2015-2861

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84942880585 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   59 Citations

Abstract

Disasters have the potential to cause short- and long-term effects on the psychological functioning, emotional adjustment, health, and developmental trajectory of children. This clinical report provides practical suggestions on how to identify common adjustment difficulties in children in the aftermath of a disaster and to promote effective coping strategies to mitigate the impact of the disaster as well as any associated bereavement and secondary stressors. This information can serve as a guide to pediatricians as they offer anticipatory guidance to families or consultation to schools, child care centers, and other child congregate care sites. Knowledge of risk factors for adjustment difficulties can serve as the basis for mental health triage. The importance of basic supportive services, psychological first aid, and professional self-care are discussed. Stress is intrinsic to many major life events that children and families face, including the experience of significant illness and its treatment. The information provided in this clinical report may, therefore, be relevant for a broad range of patient encounters, even outside the context of a disaster. Most pediatricians enter the profession because of a heartfelt desire to help children and families most in need. If adequately prepared and supported, pediatricians who are able to draw on their skills to assist children, families, and communities to recover after a disaster will find the work to be particularly rewarding.

Author List

Schonfeld DJ, Demaria T, DISASTER PREPAREDNESS ADVISORY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH

Author

Norah Johnson PhD Assistant Professor in the College ofnursing department at Marquette University

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adaptation, Psychological
Bereavement
Child
Child Health
Child Health Services
Disasters
Humans
Mental Health
Mental Health Services
Referral and Consultation
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Stress, Psychological