Effects of extreme weather events on child mood and behavior

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jennifer L Barkin, Mercer University School of Medicine; Massimiliano Buoli, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico; Carolann Lee Curry, Mercer University School of Medicine; Silke Von Esenwein, Emory University; Saswati Upadhyay, Emory University; Maggie Bridges Kearney, Mercer University; Katharine Mach, University of Miami
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-07-01
• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2021 The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Mac Keith Press.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14856
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
• Volume: 63
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: 785
• End Page: 790
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Extreme weather events (EWEs) are increasing in frequency and severity as the planet continues to become warmer. Resulting disasters have the potential to wreak havoc on the economy, infrastructure, family unit, and human health. Global estimates project that children will be disproportionately impacted by the changing climate – shouldering 88% of the related burdens. Exposure to EWEs in childhood is traumatic, with ramifications for mental health specifically. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety have all been associated with childhood EWE exposure and have the potential to persist under certain circumstances. Conversely, many childhood survivors of EWE also demonstrate resilience and experience only transient symptoms. While the majority of studies are focused on the effects resulting from one specific type of disaster (hurricanes), we have synthesized the literature across the various types of EWEs. We describe psychological symptoms and behavior, the potential for long‐term effects, and potential protective factors and risk factors.