Natural disasters can cause severe stress in children, research finds

By Staff Writer

Last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan provided a sobering reminder about the physical capabilities of a natural disaster. However, recent studies have concluded that the emotional repercussions of these devastating events are likely to last longer than the physical damages.

Although earthquakes are extremely rare in many areas of the U.S., severe thunderstorms and hurricanes are quite common in coastal communities. These storms can have a significant impact on the emotional well-being of children, according to a new study in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

The report, which is titled Hurricane-Related Exposure Experiences and Stressors, Other Life Events and Social Support, is based on a study of 384 children in Florida who lived through Hurricane Florida in 2004. The natural disaster caused 35 deaths and $16.3 billion worth of property damage.

Nine months after Charley hit, approximately 35 percent of the children reported moderate to very severe levels of post traumatic stress (PTS), which is mental disorder in which an individual experiences upsetting thoughts or flashbacks about a distressing event. This anxiety can lead to people avoiding all types of activities that may remind them of the traumatic incident.

Nearly two full years after the hurricane, about 29 percent of the children still exhibited noticeable symptoms of PTS.

Teens who suffer from anxiety may benefit from the emotional support that is offered by many wilderness therapy programs and boarding schools.