Descriptions of coping with commonly occurring events by highly self-regulated boys living in earthquake-affected Christchurch

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Psychology
Degree name
Master of Arts
Publisher
University of Canterbury. School of Health Sciences
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2015
Authors
Gillman, Solfrid Hessellund
Abstract

Children are often overlooked in the aftermath of a natural disaster, and children’s use of coping strategies plays an important part in their post-disaster adaptation (Vernberg, La Greca, Silverman, & Prinstein, 1996). The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the coping strategies of children with adequate self-regulation skills and minimal behaviour problems, living in Christchurch following the major 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. This aim was achieved through the use of semi-structured interviews with five seven-year-old children, their parents, and their teachers. These interviews were analysed using Directed Content Analysis and results showed that children most often reported using active and adaptive coping strategies, followed by avoidant strategies. Results in the current literature regarding children’s coping suggest that children exposed to natural disasters are able to utilise strategies that involve some personal control over their environment and emotions, through the use of active and adaptive coping strategies. Findings from this study contribute to the current understanding of children’s use of coping strategies when faced with commonly occurring childhood upsets. Further research is required regarding the outcomes associated with the use of effective coping strategies following traumatic events.

Description
Citation
Keywords
coping strategies, children, natural disasters, Christchurch earthquakes
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
Copyright Solfrid Hessellund Gillman