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 