The effects of the gulf oil spill on children
Journal for Specialists in Pediatric Nursing
Volume 16, Issue 1, pages 70?74, January 2011
John S. Murray PhD, RN, FAAN
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While the environmental and economic impact of damage from the oil spill is taking its toll on the mental health of adults in the region, measured in hopelessness, depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide, the potential behavioral health impact on children has yet to be recognized. Because of their maturing cognitive and psychosocial development, children will have difficulty understanding the complexity and implications of what is occurring in their immediate environment. This has the potential to result in behavioral health difficulties similar to those seen in adults. Furthermore, the adjustment challenges of children have the potential to be intensified as parents struggle with their own difficulties with coping, and may not be emotionally available for their children (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2010; Murray, 2009)....
