WASHINGTON — Children in areas of the world undergoing violent conflict, especially Gaza, are likely to experience trauma that could have long-term effects on their mental and physical health, including post-traumatic stress that could affect generations, according to the American Psychological Association.
In a letter to the United Nations’ special representative of the secretary-general for children and armed conflict, APA cited psychological research indicating that such children may experience unpredictable emotions, including fear, anxiety and depression; intrusive thoughts and flashbacks; strained relationships; nightmares and difficulty sleeping; regressive behaviors; and physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea.
“Trauma is typically characterized as an individual-level response, but a growing body of research has demonstrated that communities that live through traumatic events, like prolonged violent conflict, can be impacted through generations,” according to the letter, from APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. “In this way, individuals who were not personally exposed to the traumatic event can experience trauma symptoms by being in contact with others or by being part of a society that experienced the event.”
Noting that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to helping these children, Evans said psychology can offer guidance on mental health intervention strategies that are culturally, linguistically and therapeutically appropriate, and are viewed through a child protection and peacebuilding lens.
He noted that APA is especially concerned about the traumatizing effects of the ongoing violence that Palestinian children have experienced.
“Media reports detail the recent suffering of children in Gaza, including nightmares, loss of appetite, speech disorders, bedwetting and vomiting,” he wrote. “There is a huge need for culturally competent, trauma-informed psychological services, yet there are few providers available to meet this need. Systemic violence and the threat of violence, especially for long periods of time, have proven deleterious effects across generations, and children are both most vulnerable to these effects and represent the next generation who themselves might pass these traumatizing effects onto their children. Daily trauma experienced by children and their parents in war zones have been shown to leave profound scars.”