A model of family resilience building to promote community disaster planning


Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

5035.0: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 8:30 AM

Abstract #113975

Paula A. Madrid, PsyD¹, Roy Grant², Irwin Redlener, MD³, and David Berman, MA³. (1) The Resiliency Program, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, National Center for Disaster Preparedness, 722 west 168th street, New York, NY 10032, 212-342-0555, pam2109@columbia.edu, (2) The Children's Health Fund, 317 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10021, (3) National Center for Disaster Preparedness, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10032

Families continue to endure concerns and anxiety regarding terrorism and issues of preparedness in light of the ongoing threats of future attacks. According to 2004 survey data from The National Center on Disaster Preparedness and the Children's Health Fund, 76% of adults nationwide are concerned that another terrorist attack will occur in the U.S. Only 53% trust government to protect the area where they live. Yet only 24% of families have a disaster plan with the minimal elements. Compared with 2003, concern is unchanged (76%), trust in government is down (from 62%), but family preparedness has not increased (23% in 2003). Findings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health show a consistently protective factor was the presence of a positive parent-family relationship. Other studies confirm the role of family as a protective factor which builds resiliency. From a public health perspective, it is essential to increase family preparedness and build resilience in children. We propose a parent training model that incorporates evidence-based protective factors as a means to increase resilience in families. Additionally, more work is needed to help families understand the importance of having at least a minimal disaster plan (two days food and water, radio and batteries, emergency phone numbers, and evacuation meeting place). The model provides parents with the information and skills needed to engage in resiliency-oriented parenting. Specific topics include the importance of high but realistic expectations, caring relationships, parenting style and its unique role in building resilience are also addressed.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will

- Be better able to articulate the reasons why family resilience is a vital component in community disaster preparedness;
Ż Be better able to list, analyze and understand the evidence-based protective factors that increase family resilience
Ż-- Have an increased understanding of how to apply the proposed parent training model for increased family resilience

Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, Family Involvement

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

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The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA