The Influence of Sheltering or Protective, Parental Behaviors Following Child Trauma; Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

s This study examined the relationship between parental behaviors and trauma experienced by 42 school-aged children (6 to 12 years of age) impacted by a natural disaster; Hurricane Katrina. Results showed that one of the parental behaviors examined, open communication, was positively associated with higher Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index scores in the child population. This finding indicates that open communication from parent-to-child may increase trauma symptoms in school-aged children following a traumatic event. Results of this research may contribute to mental health intervention practices following child trauma, and disaster related prevention planning. The influence of parental behaviors following child exposure to trauma may be of particular importance to mental health practitioners, emergency management agencies and emergency and disaster relief workers.