Trauma:

Natural Disasters

Meagan L. Howell, M.S.Saint Louis University

Definitions of PTSD PTSD is defined as a reaction to a

traumatic event which creates the subjective feelings of “extreme fear, horror, or helplessness” in the victim.

Two Conceptual Models: “A normal reaction to an abnormal event” PTSD is, “… an abnormal reaction to an

abnormal event”

Definitions of Trauma The person experienced, witnessed, or

was confronted with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of self or others.

Type I Traumas which are time-limited or acute

Type II Traumas which are pervasive or chronic

Natural Disasters Tornadoes Mudslides/Landslides Earthquakes Floods Hurricanes Tsunamis Typhoons Volcanic Eruptions

Trauma Factors Immediacy Proximity Duration of exposure Physical injury Degree of property or personal loss Evacuation or displacement from the

child’s usual environment Separation of the child from the family

Child Risk Factors Trauma memory deficits Negative appraisals Maintaining maladaptive behavioral and

cognitive strategies Subjective perception of threat Reactions of the child’s family Parental Support

Child Risk Factors Continued

Degree of fear during the trauma Locus of control Being a new resident or immigrant to the

area Persistent ruminations or worries Child’s age or maturity level Previous Trauma Coping Strategies

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing

Interventions beginning shortly after the disaster will need to focus on a wide-based screening of children and adults throughout the affected area.

Establishing a sense of security and returning the children and adults to a regular schedule will be the primary efforts of first-response interventions.

Relieve immediate distress and work towards preventing maladaptive coping strategies following a disaster.

Attributions following a Natural Disasters

Depends on: Response to actual EVENT Response to RESULTS OF EVENT

Attributions following a Natural Disasters

Internal:

External:

Attributions following a Natural Disasters

Global:

Unique/Situational:

Attributions following a Natural Disasters

Stable:

Unstable:

Katrina Study http://

www.hurricanekatrina.med.harvard.edu/