Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Growth: Two Realities among Flood Affected School Going Children in Pakistan

Abstract

The present study tended to study the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). It also covers the predictive role of demographic features and flood-related experiences for PTSD and PTG in school children living in the flood-prone area of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. 273 school going children were assessed in 2016 after one year to expose flood. Urdu version of Posttraumatic Growth Inventory for Children –Revised, Child PTSD Symptom Scales and demographic form were used to assessPTG and PTSD respectively in children falling in the age range of 11-17 years. The devastation of the school building and financial loss in form of crop damage were the positive predictors of PTSD. Moreover, living in tents, the experience of homelessness, financial losses, exposure to wounded and dead bodies, education, and occupation of the father were noteworthy indicators of PTG. No relationship was noted between PTSD and PTG. Findings supported the notion that PTSD and PTG can coexist therefore clinical implications and ideas related to preventive planning are discussed.