Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Following Pediatric Injury: A Systematic Review

Objective To review the recent empirical literature concerning development of posttraumatic stress symptoms following pediatric injury and summarize risk and predictive factors that will inform clinical practice and research. Methods A systematic search of online databases such as PsycInfo, PILOTS, MedLine, and PubMed was performed. Further studies were identified through the reference lists of selected articles. Results Pre-injury psychological problems, the child’s subjective experience of trauma severity/life threat, elevated heart rate immediately following the trauma, beliefs regarding initial symptoms, active thought suppression, and parental posttraumatic stress appear to be consistent predictors of persisting posttraumatic stress in children following injury. Conclusions Specific variables may be useful in predicting posttraumatic stress following injury, which are discussed in terms of existing models of pediatric traumatic stress. Methodologies of included studies are also discussed

Prevalence and Correlates of Posttraumatic Growth in Pediatric Burn Survivors

Background: Burn injuries are not uncommon in children and adolescents and often have lasting influence on emotional functioning, family relationships, body image, and quality of life in survivors. Although there has traditionally been a focus on negative or psychopathological consequences of such traumatic events (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder), there is an increasing emphasis on positive outcomes of such traumas, generally termed posttraumatic growth (PTG). PTG was first described in adults and was found to consist of five factors: relating to others, new possibilities, personal strength, spiritual change, and appreciation of life. PTG has also been found by a small number of studies to occur in children and adolescents following traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and receiving a cancer diagnosis. To date, no studies have examined the prevalence or correlates of PTG in pediatric burn survivors. The purpose of the proposed research project is to estimate the prevalence of PTG in this population, as well as to examine variables that are potential correlates or predictors of PTG. Method: Potential participants will include pediatric patients of six burn centers across the United States and one parent or caregiver. It is estimated that 150 children and their caregivers will participate in this study. Participants will complete a number of measures and questionnaires to assess relevant variables via online survey. Prevalence of PTG will be estimated using descriptive statistics of the measure of PTG (the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for Children - Revised). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses will be utilized to determine significant predictors of PTG. Significance: Data from the proposed study will contribute towards the understanding of PTG in children, as well as the experience of pediatric burn survivors. Furthermore, certain variables may inform the development of interventions designed to enhance pediatric PTG