Posted on September 8, 2010

When we see the aftermath of a disaster, we often worry about the wellbeing of those affected: will they have food, shelter, health care, etc. What may not be as easy to identify are those who deal with mental health issues as a result of the disaster. This is especially true for children who may get lost in the process.

A Science Daily release examined the findings of a new national study that has confirmed the affects disasters can have on children. According to this research, children who are exposed to disasters – fires, earthquakes, flooding – are more likely to experience emotional problems. Even worse, some children may have already been experiencing abuse, peer violence or maltreatment that could exacerbate such issues.

This study found that children who had already been victims of abuse or violence before the disaster struck were more likely to experience more anxiety, depression and aggression than children who only suffered as a result of the disaster. An interesting twist on such scenarios is that when a disaster happens, there are increased opportunities for community organizations and first-responders to interact with these children who may never have had access to help.

The study was completed by a research team at the University of New Hampshire and included an evaluation of data from a sample of 2,030 children. The data included phone interviews with children and parents. Of those children interviewed, 4.1 percent had experienced a disaster in the past year and 13.9 percent had been exposed to a variety of disasters over a lifetime.

The sample produced 70 children who had experienced victimization in the past year, yet only two of those children received counseling for problems related to emotional and behavioral issues. Without proper treatment, these children may seek their own treatment through drugs and alcohol.