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Research papers, University of Canterbury Library

Post-traumatic stress symptoms are a common reaction to experiencing a traumatic event such as a natural disaster. Young children may be at an increased risk for such mental health problems as these catastrophic events may coincide with developmentally sensitive periods of development. Treatments currently recommended for children with post-traumatic stress symptoms insufficiently acknowledge the role of neurobiological stress related systems responsible for these symptoms. As such, alternative approaches to the treatment of posttraumatic symptoms have been explored, with nature-based interventions offering a potential alternative based on two different theories that uphold the stress reducing benefits of natural environments. To date, there are a limited number of experimental studies that have explored the use of nature-based interventions with children, and no known research that has used a simulated nature experience with child participants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a simulated nature experience on the physiological and behavioural responses of children with post-traumatic stress symptoms that experienced the Christchurch earthquakes. A single-case research design with repeated measures of heart rate and teacherreported behaviour was gathered across a 20-day period. Heart rate data was collected before and after participants watched a 10-minute nature video, while data from a teacher rating scale provided information about the participants’ behaviours in the 30-minute period after they watched the nature video. Comparisons made to data collected during two different baseline phases indicated that the nature video intervention had no recognisable effects on the participants’ physiological and behavioural stress responses. Limitations to the current study are discussed as possible reasons for the incompatibility between the current study’s results and the findings from previous research. Suggestions are made for any future replications of the study.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of a community member leading a group of children who are playing drums. On the wall behind the man there is a piece of traditional Pacific-island flax weaving. The photograph was taken at the Tiny Adventures launch at Niu Early Learning Centre in Linwood. Niu Early Learning Centre is managed by the Tongan Canterbury Community Trust. The Tiny Adventure card packs and smartphone app offer ideas, games and quick fun ways for parents to spend time with their children. They are a project of the All Right? mental health campaign.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph of children at Christchurch Hospital looking out the window at Spiderman abseiling down the side of the building. Spiderman was there as part of 'Outrageous Burst of All Right: Superhero Surprise', which involved people dressed as superheroes surprising children at Christchurch Hospital with gifts and entertainment. The abseiling gear was provided by Goleman Exterior Building Care. All Right? posted the photograph to their Facebook Timeline on 2 July 2014 at 12:42pm with the caption, "Spiderman abseiling down the side of the hospital, preparing to enter the ward".

Images, UC QuakeStudies

An image from All Right? that reads, "Holy Hospitals Batman! What are you and the gang doing in Canterbury?!" The image was created to promote the video for the 'Outrageous Burst of All Right: Superhero Surprise', in which people dressed in superhero costumes surprised and entertained children at Christchurch Hospital. All Right? also posted the image to their Facebook Timeline on 29 June 2014. The post included a link to The Press article which featured the video, along with the hashtag #sharethepostandsharethelove.

Images, UC QuakeStudies

Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Teddy time: A Whanganui man has sent dozens of teddy bears to Rangiora to be distributed to children affected by the Canterbury earthquake. Ted Cheriton sent the teddies to National MP Kate Wilkinson's office to be distributed. Ms Wilkinson said it was a fantastic gesture. 'I am sure they will be welcome in Kaiapoi and beach settlements where damage from the earthquake has severely affected many families', she said. 'Hopefully these teddies will bring a smile to some young children and cheer them up in what has been a very trying and traumatic time'".

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

“It must have been a happy household,” was the remark made by one of our team members when she saw the artefact assemblage we are discussing on today’s blog post. Whilst children’s artefacts are relatively common finds on New Zealand … Continue reading →

Articles, Christchurch uncovered

‘If you dig a hole through the centre of the Earth, you would arrive in New Zealand’. As Spanish children, we learnt that at school. Spain is the Antipodes of New Zealand. Both countries are at the same time joined … Continue reading →

Images, UC QuakeStudies

A photograph submitted by Anonymous to the QuakeStories website. The description reads, "The demolition of our preschool opposite Cranmer Square. All children and teachers were evacuated safely with the help of builders working on the old Girl’s High building in front.".