Citation

Thompson N. Death Stud. 1995; 19(5): 501-510.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481189508253396

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The considerable number of major disasters in the last decade have had a significant impact on very many children. Some have been victims, some bereaved, others just generally anxious and frightened by their proximity to, or awareness of such disasters. Additionally, many personal disasters-accidents, illness, family breakdown, and, of course, child abuse-befall children and their caregivers, producing a traumatic, crisis-torn existence for large numbers of children, a proportion of whom will come to the attention of the caring professions. One dimension relatively unexplored in the growing literature on the subject of disaster work is that of the existential or "ontological". A number of existentialist concepts can help us piece together a picture of this missing dimension. This article explores some of these key concepts to show their applicability to this complex and demanding area of health and social welfare practice. To explore the basic questions of ontology I shall draw on existentialist philosophy, particularly that of Jean-Paul Sartre. I shall introduce some of the key ontological concepts which underpin existentialism and consider how they apply specifically to the experience of children in disaster situations.

Language: en