Traumatized Experiences of Children by Multiple Emergency Stressors: An Analysis of Data from the 2004 Tsunami in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: In 2004, in the midst of civil war, Sri Lanka was struck by a large tsunami, devastating coastal communities. Methods: In the immediate aftermath of the 2004 Asian tsunami, while providing emergency aid, a Canadian NGO interviewed children living in both a refugee camp and an affected village in Sri Lanka. Results: Complete data were available for 63 respondents, aged 3 to 17 years. There were significant reports of sleeping problems, crying, and somatic symptoms consistent with psychological trauma, which were more likely among the village residents than the camp residents. If a respondent had been affected by the war, via family death or injury, then they were more likely to have been similarly affected by the tsunami, as well. Conclusion: These findings are useful for developing strategies to address current emergency situations, such as the Syrian refugee crisis, in which children are likely to be similarly doubly traumatized. Keywords: Stressors, tsunami, children, Sri Lanka