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Veronese G, Mahamid F, Obaid H, Bdier D, Cavazzoni F. Positive and negative effects of child's agency on trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties in war-like conditions. The mediating role of hope and life satisfaction. J Ment Health 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38526328 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2024.2332801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children affected by war and political violence deploy agentic competencies to cope with trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties. However, it does not always act as a protective factor to help them adjust to potentially traumatic events. AIMS We expected to explore the association between agency, trauma symptoms and psychological difficulties and the mediating role of hope and life satisfaction in a group of child victims of military violence in Palestine. METHODS 965 children aged 8 to 14 were assessed with self-reported measures, War Child Agency Assessment Scale, Children Revised Impact of events scale, Strengths and difficulties scale, Child Hope Scale and Brief Multidimensional Students Life Satisfaction Scale. Structural Equation Modelling was performed having Agency as a predictor, trauma symptoms, psychological difficulties as an outcome variable and life satisfaction and hope as a mediator. RESULTS We found a direct and positive effect of agency on trauma symptoms, psychological difficulties, and life satisfaction and hope on the two dependent variables. Life satisfaction and hope mediated the association between agency and the outcome variables. CONCLUSION Agency can help defend children from trauma and psychological maladaptation when it acts on life satisfaction and hope. At the same time, it might worsen psychological dysfunctions when working directly on trauma symptoms and difficulties. Clinical interventions must help children to foster agentic resources in activating hope and life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Veronese
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Fayez Mahamid
- Department of Psychology & Counselling, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestinian territory
| | - Hania Obaid
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Dana Bdier
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology & Counselling, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestinian territory
| | - Federica Cavazzoni
- Department of Human Sciences and Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Aguirre AS, Rojas K, Torres AR. Pediatric traumatic brain injuries in war zones: a systematic literature review. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1253515. [PMID: 37745670 PMCID: PMC10511749 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1253515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric casualties in war zones are a devastating consequence of armed conflicts, causing significant challenges for affected children, especially in the context of poor access to care. This study aimed to understand traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in this high-risk population and to identify and provide information for the stakeholders, as well as to recognize severe long-term consequences and develop strategies to prevent them, thus minimizing their burden while aiding in the management of these cases. Methods We carried out a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines to identify publications discussing traumatic brain injuries in children in the context of war zones, and we analyzed all the collected data. Results Our study showed that head injuries were the most common casualty in war zones; male and female children were affected, and the mean age was 8-10 years. Most children were reported to be from Afghanistan, and blasts were the most common mechanism of injury. The mortality fluctuated from 3 to 47%. Conclusion There is a lack of evidence-based information regarding the characterization, approach, and management of children with TBI in conflict zones. While the world finds ways to live in peace, there is an urgency to research, train, and deploy enough specialists to these areas, if governments are serious about improving outcomes for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alcy R. Torres
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Sanchez-Clemente N, Eisen S, Harkensee C, Longley N, O'Grady R, Ward A. Beyond arrival: safeguarding unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the UK. Arch Dis Child 2023; 108:160-165. [PMID: 35728940 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-323648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Unaccompanied children (also called unaccompanied minors) are children who have been separated from both parents and other relatives and are not being cared for by an adult who, by law or custom, is responsible for doing so. From 2010 to 2020, unaccompanied minors accounted on average for 15.4% of the total number of first-time asylum applicants aged less than 18 years in the UK. These young people risk their lives and undergo traumatic journeys in search of a better life. However, when they arrive in the UK, they are vulnerable to significant ongoing traumatic experiences.In this review, we look at the reasons young people are forced to flee their countries, how they make their journey, and the risks and dangers they face along the way. We examine safety and victimisation risks faced by children and young people after arrival in the UK, which mechanisms and processes exist to safeguard these individuals, and examine the data available on outcomes of unaccompanied asylum-seeking child (UASC. Finally, we share two case examples that represent both the strengths and weaknesses of existing processes for UASC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Eisen
- Paediatrics, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Nicky Longley
- Infection, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK.,CRD, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rob O'Grady
- Looked After Children Service, Camden Local Authority, London, UK
| | - Allison Ward
- Camden Integrated Services for Children, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Zaid SM, Fadel AM, Taresh SM, Mohammed LA, Fitriana N. Psychologists' perspective of mental health in Yemen during the civil war and COVID-19: a qualitative inquiry. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-12. [PMID: 36258893 PMCID: PMC9560880 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03617-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In comparison to other Middle Eastern nations that are experiencing conflicts and wars, Yemen has the greatest rate of mental health issues since the war was accompanied by distressing experiences and severe chronic psychological crises. This study aims to examine the current state of psychological problems from the perspectives of psychologists and psychiatrists in light of the ongoing civil war and the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included 20 psychologists and psychiatrists in total. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the psychologists and psychiatrists were done between October 2021 and December 2021 and between May 2022 and June 2022. Handwritten notes and field notes were used to record the interview process. The transcripts were inductively analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analytic approach to get the main themes and subthemes. The four major themes that emerged from the emerging codes are the impact of war on mental health, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, the healthcare system, and the lack of awareness about mental health. These themes reveal how the civil war and COVID-19 contributed to Yemenis' mental health issues and resulting psychological disorders. Yemenis' mental health and well-being are under several threats; thus, the government and other relevant authorities must take urgent measures to lessen the impact of mental illness on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumaia Mohammed Zaid
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Art and Human Science, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
| | - Ahlam Mohammed Fadel
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Art and Human Science, Sana’a University, Sana’a, Yemen
| | | | - Lubna Ali Mohammed
- Department of TESL, Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities, Lincoln University College (LUC), Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nina Fitriana
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Mercu Buana University of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Lopatovska I, Arora K, Fernandes FV, Rao A, Sivkoff-Livneh S, Stamm B. Experiences of the Ukrainian adolescents during the Russia-Ukraine 2022 War. INFORMATION AND LEARNING SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ils-07-2022-0093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore the current experiences of Ukrainian adolescents affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. The study focused on the changes in adolescents’ lives caused by the war, adolescents’ emotional reactions to the disruptions caused by the war, coping strategies employed by adolescents in dealing with disruptions and the role of information technology in supporting new realities and coping strategies of adolescents.
Design/methodology/approach
This study relied on semi-structured interviews conducted on Zoom with 27 Ukrainian adolescents ages 10-18. Participants were recruited using the snowball sample and came from various regions of Ukraine. The interview notes and partial transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify the common and unique patterns in participant responses.
Findings
The interview data revealed the signs of traumatic experiences and various stages and methods of coping with them. Participants’ resilience was supported by external factors, including families, communities, continuous schooling, ability to talk to friends, information technology, as well as internal skills, including social competence, problem-solving, critical consciousness, autonomy and a sense of purpose. Participants shared specific recommendations for improving information platforms and online content, e.g. making them more accessible and affordable for Ukrainian users, improving content curation and personalization, creating and promoting Ukrainian content and others.
Research limitations/implications
Research relied on convenience sample of participants who had access to information communication technology (ICT), were aware and had an ability to participate. Field work is needed to reach out to participants without access to ICT.
Practical implications
This study contains broad recommendations for improving information technologies for the use of Ukrainian adolescents.
Social implications
This research offers three timely account of the first-hand experiences of Ukrainian adolescents affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and can inform future work aimed at improving life conditions for teen population.
Originality/value
This study relied on first-hand reports of Ukrainian adolescents’ experiences, feelings and coping strategies during the first three months of Russia-Ukraine war. The study applied war trauma and resilience frameworks to interpret the findings and translate some of the findings into practical recommendations for the information science community.
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Alkaid Albqoor M, Hamdan KM, Shaheen AM, Albqour H, Banhidarah N, Amre HM, Hamdan-Mansour A. Coping among adolescents: Differences and interaction effects of gender, age, and supportive social relationships in Arab culture. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Danese A, McLaughlin KA, Samara M, Stover CS. Psychopathology in children exposed to trauma: detection and intervention needed to reduce downstream burden. BMJ 2020; 371:m3073. [PMID: 33214140 PMCID: PMC7673907 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m3073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Danese
- King's College London, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- King's College London, Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, National and Specialist CAMHS Clinic for Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression, London, UK
| | | | | | - Carla S Stover
- Yale Early Stress and Adversity Consortium, Yale University Child Study Center, New Haven CT, USA
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