Course The Emotional Impact of Disaster on Children and Families

Aggressive behavior is also a frequent outcome among children and adolescents, in boys. Whereas younger children may hit or bite others, older children may get quite violent, especially with their peers, and pushing and fighting becomes common. Rebellious, antisocial, and even criminal behavior can also occur.

When greatly distressed, children and adolescents may enact their distress through emotional outbursts, and other disruptive behavior. Parents may be tempted to over-react to somatic symptoms or pardon disruptive behavior due to feelings of guilt related to an inability to protect their children. Parents should attempt to sensitively provide consistent limits and to provide opportunities to discuss their child’s fears, anger, sadness and other emotions without relying upon the child for their own comfort.