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This study evaluates the impact of social support and coping strategies on positive adjustment in children exposed to Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The research identifies that children receiving more social support from peers and teachers showed greater adjustment after Hurricane Katrina, while support from parents and peers was crucial post-oil spill. Positive coping strategies were linked to better psychological adjustment, highlighting the importance of resilience and community support in overcoming traumatic experiences.
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Predictors of Positive Adjustment in Children Exposed to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Hurricane Katrina Jamarri R. Aikins, M.A.
Introduction • 50% - 60% of the U.S. population will be exposed to a traumatic event; however, only 5% - 10% develop PTSD. • Posttraumatic Growth – Positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. • Resilience – The ability to maintain stable levels of psychological and physical functioning after exposure to aversive life circumstances.
Social Support and Positive Adjustment • Social support has been identified as a significant predictor of resiliency • Relationship between source of support and resiliency is unclear
Coping and Positive Adjustment • “Coping” – Processes that are employed to reduce anxiety and distress. • Positive coping strategies decrease severe psychopathology post disaster and is associated with greater personal adjustment.
Summary and Purpose • Evaluate social support and coping strategies used by children exposed to Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill • Hypotheses • Positive coping strategies will predict greater amounts of positive adjustment • Greater amounts of social support will lead to greater amounts of positive adjustment although the source of support may vary.
Results • Hurricane Katrina • Children who reported more social support from peers and teachers reported greater levels of adjustment. • Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill • Social support from parents and peers was associated with greater levels of adjustment. • Destructive coping was associated with lower levels of adjustment.