Student Trauma Studies

A A body of research finds that the full effects of disasters on children are far deeper and longer-lasting than expected. Here are findings from these studies:

• One large-scale analysis of studies of children after natural and manmade disasters found they often reported symptoms of trauma—such as intrusive memories and feelings of detachment—that adults did not observe. 
• Trauma not only sometimes triggered test anxiety, but interventions that addressed test anxiety improved students' post-traumatic-stress symptoms, too.
• Younger students adapted more quickly and had fewer symptoms than older students. 
• Overall, students who had to relocate had longer-lasting trauma—at times years longer—than those who returned to their homes. 

Findings like those suggest schools both in and out of the disaster zone need to prepare for long-term supports. Studies found children recover most easily when schools and districts provide broad help for both adults and students, rather than asking the teachers to put aside their own trauma on the students' behalf.
Sparks, S. (2017).  Students feel trauma’s aftereffects long after crises end, studies find.  Education Weed, 37(4), 8-9. https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/09/13/childrens-trauma-lasts-long-after-disasters-studies.html?cmp=eml-eb-sumresearch-sr-07102018&M=58536523&U=1673093