NCJ Number
198046
Journal
Journal of Trauma Practice Volume: 1 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 2002 Pages: 101-124
Date Published
2002
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the research about the mental health impact of terrorism on children.
Abstract
The authors explain that the recent terrorist attacks have put children at risk for developing posttraumatic stress symptoms. As such, it is important for mental health practitioners to step in and respond to this crisis among our children. The first step is for mental health practitioners to learn about how trauma affects children and how to best facilitate the healing process. First, the authors present research about trauma in children that emanated from the bombing of the Oklahoma Murrah Federal Building. The research conducted after this terrorist attack produced a body of knowledge on the effects of trauma in children of different ages. The authors next apply this research to what is already known about risk and mediating factors of child trauma symptoms. This research states that being injured in a disastrous event can produce symptoms of posttraumatic stress, but so can witnessing the death or injury of others, as millions of children did on September 11th. Furthermore, the authors show that parental reactions, coupled with the age of the child, can have a mediating effect on how a child responds to a traumatic event. In conclusion, the authors state that the mental health needs of children must be attended to in the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks in order to avoid a national mental health crisis. References