Citation

Lengua LJ, Long AC, Meltzoff AN. J. Child Psychol. Psychiatry 2006; 47(12): 1219-1227.

Affiliation

Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. liliana@u.washington.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01664.x

PMID

17176377

Abstract

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.

Language: en