Deakin University
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Psychological Problems in the Context of Political Violence in Afghan Children

journal contribution
posted on 2024-09-25, 23:41 authored by L Jobson, Daniel McavoyDaniel Mcavoy, SJ Ahmadi
Abstract Purpose of Review This review provides an overview of recent literature examining psychological problems in the context of political violence among Afghan children. Recent Findings Using recent literature (2018–2023) we identified: 1) heightened levels of psychological problems experienced by children in Afghanistan; 2) the factors associated with these psychological problems, including loss of family and community members, poverty, continuous risk of injury and death, gender, substance use, war, daily stressors, and poor access to education; 3) psychological problems have potentially worsened since the 2021 political changes; 4) conflict and poverty have resulted in violence against children being a serious issue; 5) emerging psychological interventions have been adapted to Afghan contexts; and 6) there is a desperate need for psychological assistance and further research in the region. Summary All children in Afghanistan have experienced conflict and political violence. While children are not responsible for this conflict, it has impacted their mental health. Further research is needed to examine the development and evaluation of interventions.

Funding

MEmory Training for Recovery- Adolescent (METRA): A brief intervention targeting psychological distress in adolescent refugees | Funder: ELRHA

History

Journal

Current Psychiatry Reports

Volume

26

Pagination

222-228

Location

Berlin, Germany

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

1523-3812

eISSN

1535-1645

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Issue

5

Publisher

SPRINGER