Coping strategies used by children and adolescents following disaster trauma: A review of associated factors and intervention options

Abstract

Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to disaster-related trauma. The specific aim of this paper was to review the coping strategies used by children and adolescents in the aftermath of disasters. The relationship of coping methods with psychological consequences were also explored, along with the effectiveness of specific strategies in dealing with traumatic experiences of disasters. A literature search of electronic databases, involving the keywords “coping,” “children” and “adolescents,” and “disaster” was done along with secondary searches of the cross references. It was evident that children and adolescents use a range of coping strategies, and a large proportion of them are helpful, while others could be detrimental to their mental health. Many children and adolescents cope with disaster trauma and are resilient. Facilitation of positive coping methods can be used as an intervention along with other supportive activities and as a part of other psychological interventions. Coping can be supported by family, nonprofessional caregivers, community, and clinicians. There is a research need to develop consensus about the terminologies and culture-specific coping assessments and to explore the short- and long-term effectiveness of interventions focused on coping.