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Chapter 6 - The Impact of Emergencies, Terrorism, and Disease on Children and Their Families

from Section 1 - The Nature and Impacts of Twenty-First-Century Healthcare Emergencies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 January 2024

By
Prathiba Chitsabesan ,
Brian Jacobs  and
Raphael Kelvin
Edited by
Richard Williams ,
Verity Kemp ,
Keith Porter ,
Tim Healing  and
John Drury
Richard Williams
Affiliation:
University of South Wales
Verity Kemp
Affiliation:
Independent Health Emergency Planning Consultant
Keith Porter
Affiliation:
University of Birmingham
Tim Healing
Affiliation:
Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London
John Drury
Affiliation:
University of Sussex
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Summary

Emergencies, incidents, disasters, and disease outbreaks (EIDD) affect children, young people, and their families in many ways, including across generations through epigenetic effects. Their mental wellbeing, life, and routines that continue beyond their injury, illness, or adversity can each be affected. Their reactions and responses can be influenced by the nature and extent of their exposure, personal characteristics, pre-existing vulnerabilities and strengths, and in particular by the family and social support that is offered. Almost all adverse childhood experiences are likely to increase in pandemics and following disasters due to natural and human-induced hazards. Psychosocial problems linked with emergencies are likely to emerge over the year following these events. Social connectedness and social scaffolding mitigate adversity, and promote wellbeing and recovery. This emphasises the importance of a co-ordinated and strategically aligned, psychosocially informed, and evidence-based governmental and system-wide response working across boundaries to support children and families in such crises.

Keywords

post-traumatic stress disorderpost-traumatic symptomsPTSDsecondary stressorssyndemics
Type
Chapter
Information
Major Incidents, Pandemics and Mental Health
The Psychosocial Aspects of Health Emergencies, Incidents, Disasters and Disease Outbreaks
 , pp. 23 - 29
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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