Citation

Bernardon S, Pernice-Duca F. Fam. J. (Alex. Va.) 2010; 18(4): 349-357.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1066480710376618

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) presents a number of symptoms and adjustment issues for individual children and adolescents, but it is also associated with a myriad of risks for the larger family system. An examination of PTSD from a systemic perspective is crucial to comprehending the development and maintenance of PTSD. For example, a close relationship with a supportive adult enables a child to separate from a traumatic event and successfully persevere in the future. This article reviews the need for a systemic family perspective, including a narrative therapy approach, when considering the development, maintenance, prevention, and resolution of PTSD in children and adolescents.