In the face of tragedy: Placing childrenʹs reactions to trauma in a new context Original Research Article

The terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, have moved our country into a new era. In the aftermath of the attacks, and with the threat of terrorism continuing, it is important to better understand how children may be affected by these events. Common reactions of children following trauma have been examined in the literature; however, mediating variables, problems with assessment, and current diagnostic criteria related to PTSD may temper our understanding of the issues. Furthermore, the unprecedented nature of the terrorist actions raises new issues regarding how children may respond to and cope with trauma. Because of the enormity of these events, mental health services are available in an unprecedented fashion. As these services are developed and implemented, and as future services are planned, it is critical that intervention issues and ideas be examined in order to provide the most efficacious treatments to terrorismʹs youngest victims.