Children of Katrina: lessons learned about postdisaster symptoms and recovery patterns.
Trauma symptoms, recovery patterns, and life stressors of children between the ages of 9 and 18 (n = 387) following Hurricane Katrina were assessed using an adapted version of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Hurricane Assessment and Referral Tool for Children and Adolescents (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2005). Based on assessments 2 and 3 years after the hurricane, most children showed a decrease in posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms over time. Students were also classified into outcome trajectories of stress resistant, normal response and recovery, delayed breakdown, and breakdown without recovery (A. S. Masten & J. Obradovic, 2008). Age, gender, and life stressors were related to these recovery patterns. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of building and maintaining supportive relationships following disasters.
Kronenberg
Mindy E
ME
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
Hansel
Tonya Cross
TC
Brennan
Adrianne M
AM
Osofsky
Howard J
HJ
Osofsky
Joy D
JD
Lawrason
Beverly
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D055867:Cyclonic Storms; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012737:Sex Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors