BACKGROUND: Appraisal and coping following a disaster are important factors in children's post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. However, little is known about predictors of disaster coping responses. This study examined stress-load, appraisals and coping styles measured prior to the September 11 terrorist attacks as predictors of 9/11-specific appraisals, coping and PTS. METHODS: A community sample of children and parents (N = 143) participating in an ongoing study were interviewed by phone approximately 1 month following 9/11. RESULTS: Pre-attack stress-load, appraisal and coping styles predicted children's 9/11-specific appraisals, coping, and PTS. 9/11-specific threat appraisals and avoidant coping predicted higher PTS and mediated the effects of pre-attack stress-load and threat appraisal. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-disaster stress-load, appraisal and coping styles predict disaster-specific appraisal and coping, which in turn, contribute to PTS. Coping interventions might mitigate PTS symptoms following a disaster.
BACKGROUND: Appraisal and coping following a disaster are important factors in children's post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. However, little is known about predictors of disaster coping responses. This study examined stress-load, appraisals and coping styles measured prior to the September 11 terrorist attacks as predictors of 9/11-specific appraisals, coping and PTS. METHODS: A community sample of children and parents (N = 143) participating in an ongoing study were interviewed by phone approximately 1 month following 9/11. RESULTS: Pre-attack stress-load, appraisal and coping styles predicted children's 9/11-specific appraisals, coping, and PTS. 9/11-specific threat appraisals and avoidant coping predicted higher PTS and mediated the effects of pre-attack stress-load and threat appraisal. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-disaster stress-load, appraisal and coping styles predict disaster-specific appraisal and coping, which in turn, contribute to PTS. Coping interventions might mitigate PTS symptoms following a disaster.
Authors: J Asarnow; S Glynn; R S Pynoos; J Nahum; D Guthrie; D P Cantwell; B Franklin Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 1999-08 Impact factor: 8.829
Authors: Betty Pfefferbaum; Carl F Weems; Brandon G Scott; Pascal Nitiéma; Mary A Noffsinger; Rose L Pfefferbaum; Vandana Varma; Amarsha Chakraburtty Journal: Child Youth Care Forum Date: 2013-08-01
Authors: Jessica L Jenness; Shari Jager-Hyman; Charlotte Heleniak; Aaron T Beck; Margaret A Sheridan; Katie A McLaughlin Journal: Depress Anxiety Date: 2016-08-24 Impact factor: 6.505