Understanding the Impact of Natural Disasters on Psychological Outcomes in Youth from Mainland China: a Meta-Analysis of Risk and Protective Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that causes significant distress and impairment. Studies generally indicate lower rates of PTSD post-disaster in Chinese child populations. Irrespective of population examined, findings suggest that trauma alone cannot account for the development of PTSD (Ma et al. <xref>2011</xref>). It is important to understand what other variables may contribute to the onset of PTSD. This was the first meta-analysis conducted to investigate risk and protective factors for PTSD (as well as mediating/moderating variables) in children directly impacted by natural disasters in China. Understanding these factors can help guide disaster readiness efforts, as well as post-disaster interventions (Yule et al. <xref>2000</xref>). Also, this study is extremely relevant given recent earthquakes in China that have devastated many. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]