The last few decades have seen an increase in extreme climate phenomena – hurricanes, floods, heatwaves – that annually affect millions of children worldwide. According to Mary McKay, professor at the Brown School of Washington University in St. Louis, strengthening families before disaster strikes serves as an effective shield for the mental health and well-being of young ones.
What the study reveals: measured benefits of family resilience
A survey conducted by McKay and her team compared two groups of children exposed to major climate events: those whose families had received psychological and logistical support before the crisis, and those who had not. The former showed significantly lower post-traumatic stress scores and better ability to restore daily routines after the shock.
Among the identified levers, open communication, maintaining a stable routine, and access to community support networks emerged as the most determinant. Families that could plan ahead – by establishing meeting points, emergency contact lists, and relaxation activities – observed a significant reduction in anxiety disorders among their children.
"Strengthening family bonds before a disaster strikes is the first line of defense against psychological aftermath in children," said Mary McKay. "These results underscore the importance of investing in family resilience as a preventive measure, on par with physical infrastructures."