Children's responses to natural, technological, and Na-Tech disasters

This study examined the literature on children's responses to natural, technological and na-tech disasters via content analysis. Twenty two articles documenting children's responses to disasters were collected and analyzed. Children's responses were examined by (a) disaster type; (b) measurement instrument used to assess response; (c) age; and (d) administration of measures to children or their caregivers. Results indicate that it is important to ask children directly about their responses to disasters, regardless of disaster type, rather than relying on caregivers assessments. Also, witnessing scenes of destruction and/or life threatening situations elicits more stressful reactions than the type of disaster experienced. As such, the perceived threat rather than the disaster agent itself is deemed the more important factor in children's post-disaster psychopathology.