TY - JOUR PY - 2015// TI - Disaster preparedness for children and families: a critical review JO - Current psychiatry reports A1 - Ronan, Kevin R. A1 - Alisic, Eva A1 - Towers, Briony A1 - Johnson, Victoria A. A1 - Johnston, David M. SP - 589 EP - 589 VL - 17 IS - 7 N2 - Preparedness for disasters is universally low; children and families are particularly vulnerable groups. Against this backdrop, research on disaster preparedness for children and families is reviewed, with a focus on disaster preparedness and prevention education programs. Following definitions and theory/rationale, research is critically analyzed. While findings indicate a large growth in research in the past 15 years and largely positive findings, significant challenges remain. These challenges include issues related to methodological rigor, long-term effectiveness, and implementation. Recent research reflecting these important challenges is reviewed. At the same time, other recent research documents real potential for these programs, including findings which suggest that increased attention to incorporating theory- and evidence-supported components can enhance outcomes. Thus, despite some important limitations and challenges, research done to date signals promise for these programs in reducing risk and increasing resilience to disasters for children, families, and the households and communities in which they live.
Language: en
LA - en SN - 1523-3812 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11920-015-0589-6 ID - ref1 ER -