The Effects of Political Violence on Palestinian Children's Behavior Problems: A Risk Accumulation Model

Un día en la vida de niños y niñas del Suroccidente Colombiano con experiencias de violencia sociopolítica

La investigación desarrollista sobre la violencia socio-política se ha centrado principalmente en explicar sus efectos psicológicos a mediano y largo plazo en la niñez y ha generalizado a partir de grandes muestras. Pocos estudios se han centrado en explorar momento a momento las experiencias de la vida cotidiana de niños y niñas que sufrieron episodios de ese tipo de violencia. En esta investigación se usó un diseño basado en la observación de un día en la vida de dos niñas y dos niños del Suroccidente Colombiano para describir el contexto en que se desarrollan, cómo se ven a sí mismos y cómo resignifican experiencias de violencia política que vivieron en su primera infancia. Se usaron relatos autobiográficos, entrevistas y un análisis de temas emergentes. Se identificaron identidades y experiencias estrechamente ligadas a la construcción de relaciones basadas en el respeto a los demás, la valoración positiva de sí mismos, el reconocimiento de la familia como organizadora de sus experiencias, la construcción de saberes para desarrollar habilidades y la resignificación de las experiencias dolorosas. La discusión se centró en las implicaciones de adoptar una concepción del proceso de desarrollo en términos de trayectorias de desarrollo no siempre previsibles, ni orientadas a un estado final; así como el papel que tiene el método seleccionado en esa indagación. Se concluye que las experiencias actuales no necesariamente se derivan de trayectorias lineales, pues son afectadas por factores situacionales inherentes a la ecología social en las que viven las personas.  

Cognitive-Emotional and Inhibitory Deficits as a Window to Moral Decision-Making Difficulties Related to Exposure to Violence

In the present review, we illustrate how exposure to violence results in an increased probability of developing functional impairments of decision mechanisms necessary for moral behavior. We focus in particular on the detrimental effects of exposure to violence on emotional (e.g., Empathy), cognitive (e.g., Theory of Mind), and inhibitory control abilities. Relying on studies that document impaired moral behavior in individuals with deficits in these abilities, we propose a "model" of how exposure to violence can affect moral behavior. We then discuss how impaired moral decision making can also be a factor increasing the likelihood of reiterating violence: agents who lack abilities such as understanding and resonating with others' emotions or inhibitory control, can lead to an increase of violent displays. Thus, if not properly addressed, the noxious effects of exposure to violence on morality can lead to a violence generating cycle. We conclude proposing that interventions targeted at improving moral behavior can maximize their efficacy focusing on mitigating the impact of violence on the basic cognitive, emotional, and inhibitory abilities discussed.

The effects of exposure to political and domestic violence on preschool children and their mothers

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exposure to political violence on preschool children and their mothers. We explored whether these dyads are different from dyads with no known history of exposure to violence and from mother-child dyads with known exposure to domestic violence. Specifically, we explored differences in mothers' psychological status (depression and anxiety), dyadic emotional availability (EA), children's social information processing, and children's social behaviour, in a sample of 216 dyads divided into three groups (exposure to political violence, no exposure to violence, and exposure to domestic violence). We found evidence to support our hypotheses that children exposed to domestic violence exhibit the highest levels of social maladjustment with smaller but still significant differences between children exposed to political violence and children in the comparison group. As expected, the lowest EA scores were found in the exposure to domestic violence group, followed by dyads in the exposure to political violence group. Dyads belonging to the comparison group (no exposure) exhibited the highest levels of EA. These findings contribute to our understanding of the meaning of exposure to political violence, as well as sharpen the difference between exposure to political and domestic violence.

Practitioner Review: Mental health problems of refugee children and adolescents and their management

BACKGROUND

Since 2010, the numbers of refugees have increased and around half are under 18 years of age. It is known that experience of organised violence, displacement and resettlement increases the risk for psychiatric disorders and psychosocial impairment. This review integrates recent research into the risk and protective factors for psychopathology with service and treatment issues.

METHODS

We draw on and critically evaluate key systematic reviews in the selected areas, innovative robust studies and relevant government reports.

RESULTS

Many refugee children show resilience and function well, even in the face of substantial adversities. The most robust findings for psychopathology are that PTSD, and posttraumatic and depressive symptoms are found at higher prevalence in those who have been exposed to war experiences. Their severity may decrease over time with resettlement, but PTSD in the most exposed may show higher continuity. More severe psychiatric disorders including psychosis may also occur. Service delivery needs to take into account socioeconomic and cultural influences but, given the high level of unmet need even in high-income countries, stepped care delivery is required. The evaluation of psychological interventions, often delivered in group settings, suggests that they can be effective for many distressed children; however, for the more impaired, a greater range of disorder-specific therapies will be required.

CONCLUSIONS

Child and adolescent mental health clinicians and service providers need to be aware of the specific needs of this population and systems for service delivery. There are significant knowledge gaps in understanding risk and vulnerability, service delivery and treatment effectiveness.

The Association Between Political Violence and the Connection Between Bullying and Suicidality Among Palestinian Youth

We examined the association between protracted political violence and the connection between bullying and suicidality among Palestinian adolescents. Data were collected from a representative sample of Palestinian students (N = 5,713) from 100 schools in the West Bank and East Jerusalem who completed an in-class survey. Students who were victims of bullying or bully victims who were exposed to political violence were at higher risk for suicide attempts compared to students who were victims of bullying or bully victims but not exposed to political violence. Political violence moderated the association between bullying and suicide attempts after controlling for socio demographic and other mental health variables.