Children’s Cognitive Functioning in Disasters and Terrorism

Abstract

A growing literature has begun to address the cognitions that influence children's disaster reactions as well as the effects of disasters on children's cognitions. These cognitions must be viewed in the context of developmental and cultural considerations as well as disaster-related factors such as exposure and secondary stressors. This review examines the extant literature on children's cognitions related to disasters and terrorism including threat appraisal, beliefs, attention and concentration, memory, academic achievement, and executive functioning. The review highlights areas where research is lacking such as the effect of disasters on children's attention, concentration, content of disaster memories, and executive functioning. It also notes findings that may advance post-disaster screening and intervention.

Evaluation of the Teaching Recovery Techniques community-based intervention for unaccompanied refugee youth experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms (Swedish UnaccomPanied yOuth Refugee Trial; SUPpORT): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Apart from adverse events before and during migration, the asylum and resettlement process per se involves stressors. Complex trauma can lead to social difficulties, behavioural and emotional symptoms, psychosomatic problems and sleep problems as well as PTSD symptoms [11,22,33].…”

Addressing the Needs of Children With Disabilities Experiencing Disaster or Terrorism

“…Lower literacy and educational levels may affect children's understanding of dangerous situations [34]. In addition, cognitive capacity and developmental stage influence children's threat appraisal, attention, and concentration [35].…”

“…Cognitive factors also influence children's reactions to disasters and terrorism and these reactions similarly can vary given developmental levels or cognitive abilities [35]. Preevent emotional status and prior trauma also affect post-disaster/terrorism reactions and recovery in children [20,36] and several studies report the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children is strongly related to pre-disaster general mental health [37,38].…”

Evaluation of the teaching recovery techniques community-based intervention for accompanied refugee children experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms (Accompanied refugeeS In Sweden Trial; ASsIST): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

“…Complex trauma can lead to social difficulties, behavioural and emotional symptoms, psychosomatic problems,and sleep problems as well as PTSD symptoms. [21][22][23] Secondary assessments will include measures of emotional and behavioural difficulties, self-efficacy and well-being, which relate to the TRT programme theory of change. All outcome measures will initially be available in Swedish, English, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Somali and Tigrinya, with other languages made available if necessary.…”