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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-08-2016 | Original Paper

Does social capital reduce child behavior problems? Results from the Great East Japan Earthquake follow-up for Children Study

Authors: Junko Yagi, Takeo Fujiwara, Takehito Yambe, Makiko Okuyama, Ichiro Kawachi, Akio Sakai

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Purpose

We sought to investigate the association between social capital and child behavior problems in Iwate prefecture, Japan, in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Methods

Children and their caregivers were recruited from four nursery schools in coastal areas affected by the tsunami, as well as one in an unaffected inland area (N = 94). We assessed the following via caregiver questionnaire: perceptions of social capital in the community, child behavior problems (Child Behavior Checklist, Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, child’s exposure to trauma (e.g. loss of family members), and caregiver’s mental health (Impact of Event Scale-R for PTSD symptoms; K6 for general mental health). We collected details on trauma exposure by interviewing child participants. Structural equation modeling was used to assess whether the association between social capital and child behavior problems was mediated by caregiver’s mental health status.

Results

Children of caregivers who perceived higher community social capital (trust and mutual aid) showed fewer PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, caregiver’s mental health mediated the association between social trust and child PTSD symptoms. Social capital had no direct impact on child behavior problems.

Conclusions

Community social capital was indirectly associated (via caregiver mental health status) with child behavior problems following exposure to disaster. Community development to boost social capital among caregivers may help to prevent child behavior problems.

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Title: Does social capital reduce child behavior problems? Results from the Great East Japan Earthquake follow-up for Children Study
Authors: Junko Yagi
Takeo Fujiwara
Takehito Yambe
Makiko Okuyama
Ichiro Kawachi
Akio Sakai
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1227-2

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Does social capital reduce child behavior problems? Results from the Great East Japan Earthquake follow-up for Children Study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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