This study examined the relationship between exposure to Hurricane Gustav and distress among 122 children (ages 7-12) to determine whether that relationship was moderated by prior experiences with Hurricane Katrina and exposure to community violence (ECV). Measures of hurricane experiences, ECV, posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, and depression were administered. Assessments occurred after the third anniversary of Katrina, which coincided with the landfall of Gustav. Results indicated that the relation between exposure to Gustav and PTS was moderated by prior experiences. There was a positive association between Gustav exposure and PTS for children who experienced high Katrina exposure and low ECV, with a similar trend for children with high ECV and low Katrina exposure. There was no relationship between Gustav exposure and PTS for children with low Katrina and low ECV or for children with high Katrina and high ECV. The relationship between exposure to Gustav and depression was not moderated by children's prior experience. However, there was a relationship between Katrina exposure and depression for children with high ECV. Results suggest that prior trauma may amplify the relationship between hurricane exposure and distress, but children with high cumulative trauma may remain highly symptomatic regardless of disaster exposure.

Natural disasters cause widespread destruction, economic loss, and death, leaving children to cope with the devastating aftermath. The research literature has demonstrated that children are at risk postdisaster for negative mental health outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. The purpose of this review is to highlight the challenges associated with childhood exposure to severe natural disasters and to summarize the current research on clinical interventions for children postdisaster. Specific challenges reviewed include disaster-related deaths, secondary stressors typical in postdisaster environments, disruption in social networks, and the threat of recurrent disasters. A public health framework for school-based mental health services is discussed and the need for research on effective intervention models for youth in postdisaster environments is highlighted.

No abstract

The authors were both privileged and challenged to provide art therapy groups for children and their families in the aftermath of the Pentagon attack on 9/11/01. As part of a comprehensive family support program provided by the Pentagon Family Assistance Center, the therapists provided interventions for many children whose lives were directly affected by the loss of a close family member. They endeavored to provide a holding environment and opportunities for these children to creatively experience what had occurred. This paper chronicles their participation with these children, describes their methods of working, and includes some information on the theoretical basis for the use of art in the treatment of trauma.The art of losing isn't hard to master; So many things seem filled with the intent To be lost that their loss is no disaster.Lose something everyday. Accept the fluster Of lost door keys, the hour badly spent. The art of losing isn't hard to master.Then practice losing farther, losing faster: Places, and names, and where it was you meant To travel. None of these will bring disaster.

No abstract