Citation

Masten AS, Narayan AJ. Annu. Rev. Psychol. 2012; 63: 227-257.

Affiliation

Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455; email: amasten@umn.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Annual Reviews)

DOI

10.1146/annurev-psych-120710-100356

PMID

21943168

Abstract

This review highlights progress over the past decade in research on the effects of mass trauma experiences on children and youth, focusing on natural disasters, war, and terrorism. Conceptual advances are reviewed in terms of prevailing risk and resilience frameworks that guide basic and translational research. Recent evidence on common components of these models is evaluated, including dose effects, mediators and moderators, and the individual or contextual differences that predict risk or resilience.

New research horizons with profound implications for health and well-being are discussed, particularly in relation to plausible models for biological embedding of extreme stress. Strong consistencies are noted in this literature, suggesting guidelines for disaster preparedness and response. At the same time, there is a notable shortage of evidence on effective interventions for child and youth victims. Practical and theory-informative research on strategies to protect children and youth victims and promote their resilience is a global priority. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Psychology Volume 63 is November 30, 2011. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/catalog/pubdates.aspx for revised estimates.

Language: en