The present study introduces the Extreme Climate Event Database (EXCEED), a picture database intended to induce emotionally salient stimuli reactions in the context of natural hazards associated with global climate change and related extreme events. The creation of the database was motivated by the need to better understand the impact that the increase in natural disasters worldwide has on human emotional reactions. This new database consists of 150 pictures divided into three categories: two negative categories that depict images of floods and droughts, and a neutral category composed of inanimate objects. Affective ratings were obtained using online survey software from 50 healthy Brazilian volunteers who rated the pictures according to valence and arousal, which are two fundamental dimensions used to describe emotional experiences. Valence refers to the appraisal of pleasantness conveyed by a stimulus, and arousal involves internal emotional activation induced by a stimulus. Data from picture rating, sex difference in affective ratings and psychometric properties of the database are presented here. Together, the data validate the use of EXCEED in research related to natural hazards and human reactions.

Background: Children and adolescents are considered a population at risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event. The Children's Revised Impact Scale (CRIES-8) is a self-report scale with 8 items that investigates avoidance and intrusion behaviors related to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Objective: The study consisted of translation and transcultural adaptation of CRIES-8 to Brazilian Portuguese and evaluation of its psychometric properties. Methods: A sample of 235 Brazilian children and adolescents exposed to natural hazards (drought or flood) and non-exposed children participated in the study. The methodological procedure for translation and cultural adaptation were in accordance with the principles described by ISPOR Task Force for Translation and Cultural Adaptation. We also evaluated test reliability and validity based on test content, the relations to other variables, and internal structure. Results: The procedures lead to a final Portuguese version proofread and cultural-adapted. Empirical evidence supports CRIES-8's division in two latent constructs (Intrusion and Avoidance), as well convergence correlations with other measures of child mental health and high reliability. Discussion: A Brazilian-Portuguese version of CRIES-8 is an important tool for a better screening of PTSD among youth who face traumatic events, being a potential informative instrument to identify children at risk.

Worldwide, floods and drought are the most frequent extreme climate-related disasters with a potential that might affect children and adolescent mental health. This study aimed to describe mental health impact on youth exposed to flood or drought (time 1), to provide a prospective follow up of symptoms (time 2), about 15 months apart, and to compare the child response with control groups based on ranges of socioeconomic status. Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and general behavior problems were evaluated. Sociodemographic data from 275 children and adolescents (6 to 18 years old) were described and analyzed and they were gathered in four groups Control group with higher socioeconomic status, Control group with lower socioeconomic status, Flood group, and Drought group. At time point 1, children from all groups did not substantially differ in general behavioral problems, but PTSS scores significantly differentiate the groups. At time point 2, the Flood group presented a pattern of recovery about PTSS. For the Drought group, a persistence and stability pattern of PTSS was verified. Post-disaster longitudinal studies are essential to elucidate how psychological distress progress over time and to understand the relationship between mental health and exposure to trauma.