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Pampati S, Verlenden JV, Cree RA, Hertz M, Bitsko RH, Spencer P, Moore S, Michael SL, Dittus PJ. Children's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cohort study in the United States. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 88:7-14. [PMID: 37858782 PMCID: PMC10843774 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Examine children's mental health symptoms, including changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The COVID Experiences Surveys, designed to be representative of the U.S. household population, were administered online to parents of children aged 5-12 years (wave 1 (W1), October-November 2020, n = 1561; wave 2 (W2), March-May 2021, n = 1287). We modeled changes in children's symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological stress and examined associations between demographic characteristics, COVID-19 related experiences, and protective factors with symptoms across both waves using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Based on parent-report, children's symptoms of anxiety and depression decreased from W1 to W2 (Δ t-score anxiety = -1.8 [95% confidence intervals (CI): -2.5, -1.0]; Δ t-score depression = -1.0 [CI: -1.7, -0.3]). Psychological stress remained consistent. Across waves, older children and children with an emotional, mental, developmental, behavioral, physical, or medical condition were more likely to have specific poor mental health symptoms. Poor mental health symptoms were more likely among children with several contextual stressors (e.g., economic stress, parental emotional strain) and less likely among children with protective factors (e.g., daily routines, neighborhood cohesion). CONCLUSIONS Establishing programs that support mental health, improving access to mental health services, and fostering collaborations to advance children's mental health is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Pampati
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Jorge V Verlenden
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Atlanta, GA
| | - Robyn A Cree
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Human Development and Disability, Atlanta, GA
| | - Marci Hertz
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Atlanta, GA
| | - Rebecca H Bitsko
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Human Development and Disability, Atlanta, GA
| | - Patricia Spencer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Atlanta, GA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
| | - Shamia Moore
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Atlanta, GA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
| | - Shannon L Michael
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Population Health, Atlanta, GA
| | - Patricia J Dittus
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Atlanta, GA
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2
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Karbasi Z, Eslami P. Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic in children: a review and suggested solutions. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9512982 DOI: 10.1186/s43045-022-00240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The outbreak of coronavirus began in China in December 2019. It became a pandemic and a public health emergency. There have been numerous reports related to post-traumatic stress disorder outbreaks in the COVID-19 crisis. After a natural disaster, children are at a higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. The current study is a review of the scientific literature on the effect of COVID-19 on the prevalence of symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in children. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases until February 02, 2022. The search strategy was based on a combination of the following keywords “child,” “COVID-19,” and “post-traumatic stress disorder.” Results By searching the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases, 173 articles were retrieved. After reviewing the inclusion criteria and in terms of eligibility, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria out of the remaining 46 articles. Based on the findings, 80% of the articles were cross-sectional and 20% of them were longitudinal. The articles reviewed in this study reported an increase in the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder in children during or after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions In summary, the findings of this review showed that restrictions and fears of COVID-19 had negative psychological effects on children. As well, one of the most important issues that arose at the time of the tragedy was that children were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Given that post-traumatic stress disorder can be treated, it is essential to choose the appropriate therapeutic intervention approach in order to better deal with the negative effects in children.
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3
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Pfefferbaum B. Challenges for Child Mental Health Raised by School Closure and Home Confinement During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:65. [PMID: 34398310 PMCID: PMC8366164 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01279-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the education of children worldwide. This paper reviews the psychological effects of this action on children and the impact on school-based services. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging epidemiologic findings have generated an intense debate about the need for, and potential benefit of, school closure in the context of COVID-19. International research reveals reactions in children that are not typically considered in the disaster literature as well as those that arise in other disasters. School closure also has curtailed the delivery of mental health services commonly offered in schools. The debate about school closure will likely persist depending on local disease conditions and school readiness. Moreover, school closure is a possibility in future epidemics and pandemics and other disasters. The benefit of school closure must be balanced against the risk to children's education and psychosocial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, George Lynn Cross Research Professor Emeritus, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, USA.
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4
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Pfefferbaum B, Nitiéma P, Newman E. A Critical Review of Effective Child Mass Trauma Interventions: What We Know and Do Not Know from the Evidence. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11020025. [PMID: 33670239 PMCID: PMC7916921 DOI: 10.3390/bs11020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, numerous interventions have been developed and evaluated for use with children exposed to mass trauma with six publications reporting meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of child mass trauma interventions using inactive controls to examine intervention effects on posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and functional impairment. The current report reviews the results of these meta-analytic studies to examine the status of the evidence for child mass trauma mental health interventions and to evaluate potential moderators of intervention effect and implications for practice. The meta-analyses reviewed for the current report revealed a small to medium overall effect of interventions on posttraumatic stress, a non-statistically significant to small overall effect on depression, a non-statistically significant overall effect on anxiety, and a small overall effect on functional impairment. The subgroup analyses suggest that interventions should be matched to the populations being served and to the context. Additional research is needed to tailor future interventions to further address outcomes other than posttraumatic stress including depression, anxiety, and functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, WP3217, Oklahoma City, OK 73126, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-405-271-5121
| | - Pascal Nitiéma
- Department of Management Information Systems, Price College of Business, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73069, USA;
| | - Elana Newman
- Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma, Department of Psychology, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA;
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5
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Whaley GL, Varma V, Hawks EM, Cowperthwaite R, Arlee L, Pfefferbaum B. Risk and Resilience in Children in the Context of Mass Trauma. Psychiatr Ann 2020. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20200812-02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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6
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Pfefferbaum B, Nitiéma P, Newman E. The Effect of Interventions on Functional Impairment in Youth Exposed to Mass Trauma: a Meta-Analysis. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2020; 13:127-140. [PMID: 32549925 PMCID: PMC7290018 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-019-00266-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the benefit of psychosocial interventions on functional impairment in youth exposed to mass trauma. A random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall effect in 15 intervention trials identified through a literature review. The moderator analysis examined how the effect of intervention differed across types of populations receiving the intervention (targeted or non-targeted samples), characteristics of intervention delivery (individual or group application and number of sessions), and the context of intervention administration (country income level). The results revealed a significant small effect on functional impairment (Hedges' g = 0.33; 95%CI = (0.16; 0.50); p = 0.0011). None of the moderators explained the heterogeneity in intervention effect, perhaps due to the small number of trials. The effect of the interventions on functional impairment and on posttraumatic stress were positively correlated. The current analysis provides preliminary evidence that interventions can improve functioning in youth exposed to mass trauma, but the mechanisms, moderators, and duration of benefit are yet unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, WP3217, Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0901 USA
| | - Pascal Nitiéma
- Department of Management Information Systems, Price College of Business, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK USA
| | - Elana Newman
- Department of Psychology, University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK USA
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7
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Nawa N, Nakamura K, Fujiwara T. Oxytocin Response Following Playful Mother-Child Interaction in Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:477. [PMID: 32581866 PMCID: PMC7283446 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children who are exposed to natural disasters are at greater risk of developing mental and behavior problems. Prior studies have suggested that positive parenting practices could prevent child mental and behavior problems among those who were exposed to natural disasters. Parent-child interaction increases oxytocin level in parents and infants; however, studies assessing the change in oxytocin level after positive parent-child interaction and its effect on child behavior problems among preadolescents who were exposed to natural disasters are lacking. This study investigated whether playful interaction stimulated oxytocin levels in 34 mother-child dyads who experienced the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake in Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and the effect of the maternal oxytocin changes on child behavior problems. METHODS Participants were recruited in 2012 after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Annual surveys were conducted from 2012 to 2017. Salivary oxytocin level was assessed before and after the playful interaction in 2015. Behavior problems were evaluated by caregivers, using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) in 2017. Fixed effect regression analyses were conducted to determine the effect of playful mother-child interaction on oxytocin level by comparing the change in the 10 min after the interaction with the change in the 10 min before the interaction. We also examined the effect of maternal oxytocin changes before and after the playful interaction on the onset of child behavior problems in 2017. RESULTS A significant increase in maternal oxytocin level was detected following playful interaction, especially among mothers of first-born boys (2.63 pg/mg protein. 95% CI: 0.45, 4.81). Maternal psychological distress and trauma were also negatively associated with an increase of oxytocin levels. The increase in maternal oxytocin level was significantly associated with lower externalizing problem score of children 2 years later. CONCLUSION Our results might suggest a rational for potential preventive intervention for child behavior problems through playful mother-child interaction after natural disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobutoshi Nawa
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Education, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Medical Education Research and Development, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Social Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Pfefferbaum B, Nitiéma P, Newman E. A Meta-analysis of Intervention Effects on Depression and/or Anxiety in Youth Exposed to Political Violence or Natural Disasters. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-019-09494-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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9
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Midtbust LGH, Dyregrov A, Djup HW. Communicating with children and adolescents about the risk of natural disasters. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2018; 9:1429771. [PMID: 29441156 PMCID: PMC5804782 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2018.1429771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A vast number of people annually are affected by natural disasters. Children are at risk of losing their lives and suffer mentally or physically after such events. The fostering of resilience and preparedness ahead of disasters can reduce untoward effects of disastrous events. Risk communication and disaster education are considered important aspects of disaster preparedness, but little is known about whether such strategies influence children's behaviour when natural disasters occur or how they cope in the aftermath. This paper presents and discusses various strategies that promote preparedness activities to save lives. To a minor extent, it also includes strategies that can promote coping in the aftermath. Strategies such as informational campaigns, educational activities, psychoeducation and parental guidance are addressed. The literature to date indicates that schools are a suitable arena for risk communication, and that adolescents themselves should be involved and engaged in the communication strategies. However, the relationship between knowledge of preparedness strategies and the resulting preparedness actions is largely unknown. It is unknown whether changes in awareness and attitudes have resulted in actual behaviour change. It is advocated that preparedness activities and parental involvement should supplement information-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atle Dyregrov
- Center for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Heidi Wittrup Djup
- Center for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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10
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Danielson CK, Cohen JR, Adams ZW, Youngstrom EA, Soltis K, Amstadter AB, Ruggiero KJ. Clinical Decision-Making Following Disasters: Efficient Identification of PTSD Risk in Adolescents. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 45:117-129. [PMID: 27103002 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-016-0159-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to utilize a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) approach in order to improve clinical decision-making for adolescents at risk for the development of psychopathology in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Specifically we assessed theoretically-driven individual, interpersonal, and event-related vulnerability factors to determine which indices were most accurate in forecasting PTSD. Furthermore, we aimed to translate these etiological findings by identifying clinical cut-off recommendations for relevant vulnerability factors. Our study consisted of structured phone-based clinical interviews with 2000 adolescent-parent dyads living within a 5-mile radius of tornados that devastated Joplin, MO, and northern Alabama in Spring 2011. Demographics, tornado incident characteristics, prior trauma, mental health, and family support and conflict were assessed. A subset of youth completed two behavioral assessment tasks online to assess distress tolerance and risk-taking behavior. ROC analyses indicated four variables that significantly improved PTSD diagnostic efficiency: Lifetime depression (AUC = .90), trauma history (AUC = .76), social support (AUC = .70), and family conflict (AUC = .72). Youth were 2-3 times more likely to have PTSD if they had elevated scores on any of these variables. Of note, event-related characteristics (e.g., property damage) were not related to PTSD diagnostic status. The present study adds to the literature by making specific recommendations for empirically-based, efficient disaster-related PTSD assessment for adolescents following a natural disaster. Implications for practice and future trauma-related developmental psychopathology research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Kmett Danielson
- National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Joseph R Cohen
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Zachary W Adams
- National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Eric A Youngstrom
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn Soltis
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Ruggiero
- Technology Applications Center for Healthful Lifestyles, College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA
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11
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Early Child Disaster Mental Health Interventions: A Review of the Empirical Evidence. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-017-9397-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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12
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Lee MS, Hwang JW, Lee CS, Kim JY, Lee JH, Kim E, Chang HY, Bae SM, Park JH, Bhang SY. Psychosocial Interventions for Children and Adolescents after a Disaster: A Systematic Literature Review (1991–2015). Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2016. [DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.2016.27.4.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Sun Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Eulji University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun-Won Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Cheol-Soon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon, Korea
| | | | | | - Eunji Kim
- Todak Psychiatry Clinic, Ansan, Korea
| | - Hyoung Yoon Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Sunflower Center of Southern Gyeonggi for Women and Children Victims of Violence, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seung-Min Bae
- Department of Psychiatry, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jang-Ho Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Soo-Young Bhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Eulji University School of Medicine, Eulji University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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13
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Lai BS, Esnard AM, Lowe SR, Peek L. Schools and Disasters: Safety and Mental Health Assessment and Interventions for Children. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2016; 18:109. [PMID: 27778233 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-016-0743-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This article draws on experiences and lessons from global disasters and utilizes the United Nations Comprehensive School Safety Framework to highlight the necessary role of safe schools in protecting children, as well as adult staff, from the immediate threats and long-term implications of disasters. Specifically, we focus on three well-established pillars of school safety: Pillar I: Safe Learning Facilities; Pillar II: Disaster Management; and Pillar III: Risk Reduction and Resilience Education. In addition, we propose a potential fourth pillar, which underscores the function of schools in postdisaster mental health assessment and intervention for children. We argue that schools offer a central location and trusted institutional space for mental health assessment and intervention after disasters. We also examine the important linkages between schools, child mental health, and household and family recovery. We conclude with recommendations for filling gaps in research and practice related to ensuring the safety of schools and the associated health and well-being of children in the face of future disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty S Lai
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, 1 Park Place, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Ann-Margaret Esnard
- Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, 14 Marietta Street, NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Sarah R Lowe
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA
| | - Lori Peek
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, B-237 Clark Building, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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14
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Houston JB, First J, Spialek ML, Sorenson ME, Koch M. Public Disaster Communication and Child and Family Disaster Mental Health: a Review of Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Evidence. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2016; 18:54. [PMID: 27086315 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-016-0690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Children have been identified as particularly vulnerable to psychological and behavioral difficulties following disaster. Public child and family disaster communication is one public health tool that can be utilized to promote coping/resilience and ameliorate maladaptive child reactions following an event. We conducted a review of the public disaster communication literature and identified three main functions of child and family disaster communication: fostering preparedness, providing psychoeducation, and conducting outreach. Our review also indicates that schools are a promising system for child and family disaster communication. We complete our review with three conclusions. First, theoretically, there appears to be a great opportunity for public disaster communication focused on child disaster reactions. Second, empirical research assessing the effects of public child and family disaster communication is essentially nonexistent. Third, despite the lack of empirical evidence in this area, there is opportunity for public child and family disaster communication efforts that address new domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brian Houston
- Disaster and Community Crisis Center, Department of Communication, University of Missouri, 115 Switzler Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211-2310, USA.
| | - Jennifer First
- Disaster and Community Crisis Center, School of Social Work, University of Missouri, 206 Switzler Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Matthew L Spialek
- Disaster and Community Crisis Center, Department of Communication, University of Missouri, 207 Switzler Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211-2310, USA
| | - Mary E Sorenson
- Disaster and Community Crisis Center, Department of Communication, University of Missouri, 007 Switzler Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211-2310, USA
| | - Megan Koch
- Disaster and Community Crisis Center, Department of Communication, University of Missouri, 006A Switzler Hall, Columbia, MO, 65211-2310, USA
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15
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Child Disaster Mental Health Services: a Review of the System of Care, Assessment Approaches, and Evidence Base for Intervention. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2016; 18:5. [PMID: 26719308 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-015-0647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Several decades of research have informed our knowledge of children's reactions to disasters and the factors that influence their reactions. This article describes the system of care for child disaster mental health services using population risk to determine needed services and a stepped care approach built on assessment and monitoring to advance children to appropriate services. To assess the evidence base for disaster interventions, recent reviews of numerous child disaster mental health interventions are summarized.
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16
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Abstract
Children face innumerable challenges following exposure to disasters. To address trauma sequelae, researchers and clinicians have developed a variety of mental health interventions. While the overall effectiveness of multiple interventions has been examined, few studies have focused on the individual components of these interventions. As a preliminary step to advancing intervention development and research, this literature review identifies and describes nine common components that comprise child disaster mental health interventions. This review concluded that future research should clearly define the constituent components included in available interventions. This will require that future studies dismantle interventions to examine the effectiveness of specific components and identify common therapeutic elements. Issues related to populations studied (eg, disaster exposure, demographic and cultural influences) and to intervention delivery (eg, timing and optimal sequencing of components) also warrant attention.
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17
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Shultz JM, Thoresen S, Flynn BW, Muschert GW, Shaw JA, Espinel Z, Walter FG, Gaither JB, Garcia-Barcena Y, O'Keefe K, Cohen AM. Multiple vantage points on the mental health effects of mass shootings. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2014; 16:469. [PMID: 25085235 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-014-0469-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The phenomenon of mass shootings has emerged over the past 50 years. A high proportion of rampage shootings have occurred in the United States, and secondarily, in European nations with otherwise low firearm homicide rates; yet, paradoxically, shooting massacres are not prominent in the Latin American nations with the highest firearm homicide rates in the world. A review of the scientific literature from 2010 to early 2014 reveals that, at the individual level, mental health effects include psychological distress and clinically significant elevations in posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in relation to the degree of physical exposure and social proximity to the shooting incident. Psychological repercussions extend to the surrounding affected community. In the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting on record, Norway has been in the vanguard of intervention research focusing on rapid delivery of psychological support and services to survivors of the "Oslo Terror." Grounded on a detailed review of the clinical literature on the mental health effects of mass shootings, this paper also incorporates wide-ranging co-author expertise to delineate: 1) the patterning of mass shootings within the international context of firearm homicides, 2) the effects of shooting rampages on children and adolescents, 3) the psychological effects for wounded victims and the emergency healthcare personnel who care for them, 4) the disaster behavioral health considerations for preparedness and response, and 5) the media "framing" of mass shooting incidents in relation to the portrayal of mental health themes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Shultz
- Center for Disaster & Extreme Event Preparedness (DEEP Center), University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 33136, USA,
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18
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Newman E, Pfefferbaum B, Kirlic N, Tett R, Nelson S, Liles B. Meta-analytic review of psychological interventions for children survivors of natural and man-made disasters. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2014; 16:462. [PMID: 25085234 PMCID: PMC4400816 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-014-0462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Although many post-disaster interventions for children and adolescent survivors of disaster and terrorism have been created, little is known about the effectiveness of such interventions. Therefore, this meta-analysis assessed PTSD outcomes among children and adolescent survivors of natural and man-made disasters receiving psychological interventions. Aggregating results from 24 studies (total N=2630) indicates that children and adolescents receiving psychological intervention fared significantly better than those in control or waitlist groups with respect to PTSD symptoms. Moderator effects were also observed for intervention package, treatment modality (group vs. individual), providers' level of training, intervention setting, parental involvement, participant age, length of treatment, intervention delivery timing, and methodological rigor. Findings are discussed in detail with suggestions for practice and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana Newman
- University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice, Department of Psychology, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
| | - Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Terrorism and Disaster Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, Williams Pavilion 3470, Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0901, USA
| | - Namik Kirlic
- University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice, Department of Psychology, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
| | - Robert Tett
- University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice, Department of Psychology, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
| | - Summer Nelson
- University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice, Department of Psychology, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
| | - Brandi Liles
- University of Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice, Department of Psychology, 800 South Tucker Drive, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA
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Pfefferbaum B, Sweeton JL, Newman E, Varma V, Nitiéma P, Shaw JA, Chrisman AK, Noffsinger MA. Child disaster mental health interventions, part I: Techniques, outcomes, and methodological considerations. DISASTER HEALTH 2014; 2:46-57. [PMID: 25914863 PMCID: PMC4407368 DOI: 10.4161/dish.27534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This review of child disaster mental health intervention studies describes the techniques used in the interventions and the outcomes addressed, and it provides a preliminary evaluation of the field. The interventions reviewed here used a variety of strategies such as cognitive behavioral approaches, exposure and narrative techniques, relaxation, coping skill development, social support, psychoeducation, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and debriefing. A diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or posttraumatic stress reactions were the most commonly addressed outcomes although other reactions such as depression, anxiety, behavior problems, fear, and/or traumatic grief also were examined. Recommendations for future research are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Pfefferbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; College of Medicine; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City, OK USA ; Terrorism and Disaster Center; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | | | - Elana Newman
- Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Abuse and Neglect; Department of Psychology; University of Tulsa; Tulsa, OK USA
| | - Vandana Varma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; College of Medicine; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City, OK USA ; Terrorism and Disaster Center; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Pascal Nitiéma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; College of Medicine; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City, OK USA ; Terrorism and Disaster Center; University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Jon A Shaw
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; University of Miami School of Medicine; Miami, FL USA
| | - Allan K Chrisman
- Duke Child and Family Study Center; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC USA
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