Coping Boxes (TM): An innovative way to build child resilience in the wake of disasters

The psychological impact of disasters on children is well documented. Following 9/11/01 in New York City, posttraumatic stress reactions were noted citywide (and beyond). Two years after 9/11, nearly one NYC child in four still showed signs indicating need for mental health intervention. The psychological impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast in 2005 was exacerbated by the evacuation and relocation of hundreds of thousands of children. These factors contributed to the finding that one year later, more than half of parents at FEMA trailers in Mississippi reported new behavioral or emotional symptoms in their children. To help prevent or ameliorate the psychological impact of this disaster, The Children's Health Fund developed and distributed Coping Boxes (TM) which are based on developmental, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theories of child psychological well-being. Intended for ages 6-10, they become the property of the children to whom they are given. The Boxes contain pencil and paper to keep a journal of thoughts and experiences, crayons for symbolic expression, finger puppets to encourage therapeutic play, and other toys that are both fun and a distraction from current circumstances (slinky, silly putty, etc.). The Coping Boxes (TM) may be used as part of a therapeutic relationship with a mental health professional, or distributed through schools and other community sites with instructions and follow-up around their use. The theory behind the Coping Boxes TM and preliminary outcomes will be discussed in the context of techniques to build psychological resilience as part of comprehensive disaster preparedness.