Manifestation of Behavioral and Emotional Disturbances and Perceived Coping Strategies of Earthquake Survived Children

Abstract

The present study was conducted to identify emotional and behavioral disturbances among earthquake-survived children and the perceived coping strategies of effected children. In the present study, a sample of 50 children (6-16 years) belonging to badly earthquake-affected areas were selected from different camps in Islamabad. Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and Rotter Incomplete Sentence Blank (RISB) interpretations were used to assess variety of emotional and behavioral patterns, and Children Coping Strategies Checklist (CCSC) was used to understand the perceived coping strategies of effected children. Results showed some of the frequent emotional/behavioral reactions exhibited by children, like withdrawal, anxiety/depression, aggression, and attention-seeking behavior. Whereas gender-based comparisons indicated that female children showed more internalizing behavioral patterns (withdrawn and somatic complains) as compared to male children who exhibited more externalizing emotions (aggression and delinquent behavior). Among coping strategies, children tried to adopt positive cognitive restructuring, and for distracting attention, they used distraction strategies of coping. It is concluded that the earthquake-affected children exhibit significant negative emotional and behavioral reactions, and that male children adopt coping strategies more as compared to female children. The study identifies the negative emotional and behavioral reactions towards trauma, which can be helpful for identifying problematic area for counseling and therapeutic interventions for these children.