Trauma reminders and PTSD symptoms in children three years after a terrorist attack in Beslan

As a consequence of a terrorist attack, children may experience trauma-related internal and external reminders that are directly linked to their physical and psychological health. We assessed PTSD and trauma reminders in 58 school-age children three years after the terrorist attack in Beslan, Russia in 2004, as well as their association with degree of exposure, psychological distress and coping. Findings revealed a prevalence of situational trauma reminders associated with high levels of distress in more exposed children. The presence of PTSD was predicted by level of exposure to the attack, frequency of exposure to trauma reminders, and support seeking as a coping strategy. Findings are discussed in light of the socio-political climate in Beslan and distress experienced by the population three years after the attack.

Research highlights
► School-age children directly exposed to terrorism report long-term PTSD symptoms.
► PTSD symptoms are significantly associated with frequency and severity of trauma reminders.
► Places and situations are the most frequent trauma reminder; hence specific environments can be particularly distressing.
► The majority of children know how to cope with distress, yet being directly exposed to the event makes coping harder.