Which psychological effect might an 8-year-old earthquake victim experience?

An 8-year-old earthquake victim may experience flashbacks of the disaster due to the intense trauma associated with such a catastrophic event. Flashbacks are a common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can occur when an individual, particularly a child, faces a life-threatening situation. The brain processes these traumatic memories, leading to involuntary recollections that can cause significant distress and interfere with daily life.

Children, due to their developmental stage, may struggle to articulate their feelings or understand the event fully, which can exacerbate these flashbacks as they try to make sense of their experience. Understanding that these reactions are a normal part of coping with trauma can aid parents, caregivers, and educators in providing the necessary support and response to help the child heal and regain a sense of safety and normalcy.