Describes the contextual factors in selecting the effective coping strategies by children exposed to the kermanshah earthquake in 2017

The experience of trauma during childhood is due to decrease in children's psychosocial functions, which continues during adulthood. Children's coping and reactions play the important role in adapting to traumatic events and can lead to post-traumatic disorder or post-traumatic growth. Previous research studies have quantitatively and sporadically shown some of the factors affecting coping styles, but so far, focus as depth research in this area, especially on Iranian children, has been influenced.

The present study evaluated the contextual factors in selecting the effective coping strategies by children exposed to the Kermanshah earthquake in 2017

This research was the qualitative type with an approach to conventional content analysis. The participants consisted of 23 girls aged 10 to 12 years who were selected by purposive sampling, and semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed by the 5-step method of Graneheim, & Lundman (2004).

The results indicated four main categories and fourteen Subcategories as the contexts of selecting coping styles. These categories include a) influence (previous life experiences, modeling), b) individual skills (responsibility to others "external commitment" and "commitment to oneself," time management, emotion control, tolerating failure and compassion with others), c) family members' relationship with the child (intimacy with family members, support of family members and how parents deal) and d) social skills (trust in peers, valuing relationships and the level of ability to make and maintain friendships).

The findings demonstrate the effect of intrapersonal and interpersonal factors in selecting various strategies among children encountered with earthquake trauma.