Predicting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children with Prior Mental Health Diagnoses

Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children with Prior Mental Health Diagnoses Following Hurricane Katrina by Earnest Airhia MA, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New Orleans, LA, 2004 BS, Southern University of New Orleans, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University May 2015 Abstract Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast and subjected the city of New Orleans to disastrous flooding, which resulted in numerous after effects that impacted the children and adolescents of the city. The disaster contributed to high levels of stress, increased risk of psychological disorders, and was associated with an increased percentage of New Orleans children presenting symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To helpHurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast and subjected the city of New Orleans to disastrous flooding, which resulted in numerous after effects that impacted the children and adolescents of the city. The disaster contributed to high levels of stress, increased risk of psychological disorders, and was associated with an increased percentage of New Orleans children presenting symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To help address these problems associated with hurricanes and other disasters, the current study investigated how age, gender, race, and pre-existing conditions increased or decreased the likelihood of a child being diagnosed with PTSD following Hurricane Katrina. A binary logistical regression was utilized in this study. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory formed the framework of the study, based on the functionality of an individual’s life and development in his or her environment. The findings revealed age to be a significant predictor on PTSD. As children’s ages increase, the likelihood of having PTSD increases. The result can promote positive social change by providing mental healthcare professionals with comprehensive information regarding possible health risk of developing PTSD and the possibilities of getting treatment with evidence-based therapeutic support, medicine, and psychotherapy. Predicting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Children With Prior Mental Health Diagnoses Following Hurricane Katrina by Earnest Airhia MA, Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New Orleans, LA 2004 BA, Southern University of New Orleans, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Counselor Education and Supervision Walden University April 2015 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my beloved mom and dad who nurtured and taught me the values of life. Unfortunately, they departed this life without reaping the fruit of their labor. I will forever remember their loving, kindness and relentless struggles they had while in this world. May their souls rest in Peace. Acknowledgments The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, so was my journey in fulfilling this milestone. The completion of this milestone was a joint effort of so many individuals to whom I am indebted. I cannot thank these individuals enough for their unwavering support throughout this journey. First and foremost, my sincere gratitude and thanks goes to the members of my dissertation committee. I express my unconditional gratitude to my chairperson Dr. Donna Sheperis for her commitment and the leadership role she played in guidance this dissertation process. Dr. Sheperis dedication, unwavering support and perseverance led me to this point, for that I am sincerely grateful to her. Additionally, I thank Gregory Hickman, my methodologist whose expertise in statistical analysis helped shape this research study. Also, I thank Dr. Jason Patton for serving as my University Research Reviewer by ensuring that my study represented excellence and quality assurance. More so, I want to extend my gratitude to Dr. Carl Sheperis who is my mentor. Dr. Carl Sheperis supported my efforts and guided me on several aspects no matter how busy he is. My questions in all facets of life are answered in an absolute genuine and timely fashion. Lastly, I want to give all the credit to my wife (Sari Airhia) who without doubt stood for me since I met and married her in Europe until present day. According to Sari, “since I met Earnest, he has been in school, I am glad to see him finished up. ” Sari has worked tirelessly to keep our family intact. She is one of the hardest working people and the most extraordinary things that happen to me, for that I am indebted to her.