Search results for ‘Subject term:"traumas"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 3 of 3
Disability and participation in post-conflict situations: the case of Sierra Leone
- Authors:
- SANTOS-ZINGALE Myriam, McCOLL Mary Ann
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 21(3), May 2006, pp.243-257.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article describes four unexpected and spontaneous themes emerging from qualitative research based on the International Classification of Disability Functioning and Health, which took place in Sierra Leone, West Africa: the desire to live in a community of people with disabilities; the desire to be recognized as equal citizens and be given equal opportunities; the desire to become economically independent; and a high expectation of assistance. This article discuses the impact of these themes on two debates: the integration versus segregation of individuals and disability services, and the disability poverty cycle. The results of this study challenge non-governmental organizations to be aware of the Western norms and values of disability issues that are applied to the implementation of their programmes in low-income nations.
Psychosocial intervention for war-affected children in Sierra Leone
- Authors:
- GUPTA Leila, ZIMMER Catherine
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 192(3), March 2008, pp.212-216.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
There are no psychosocial interventions to address both educational needs and psychological distress among displaced children in post-conflict settings. The aim was to assess the psychosocial status of displaced children enrolled in the Rapid-Ed intervention; and to determine whether the Rapid-Ed intervention alleviated traumatic stress symptoms that interfere with learning among war-affected children in Sierra Leone. A randomly selected sample of 315 children aged 8–18 years who were displaced by war were interviewed about their war experiences and reactions to the violence before and after participating in the 4-week Rapid-Ed intervention combining basic education with trauma healing activities. High levels of intrusion, arousal and avoidance symptoms were reported at the pre-test interviews conducted 9–12 months after the war. Post-test findings showed statistically significant decreases in intrusion and arousal symptoms, a slight increase in avoidance reactions and greater optimism about the future. The findings suggest potential for combining basic education with trauma healing activities for children in post-conflict settings, but confirmatory studies using a control group are needed. Conducting research in post-conflict settings presents unique challenges.
Coping with war: three strategies employed by adolescent citizens of Sierra Leone
- Authors:
- KLINE Paul M., MONE Eric
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 20(5), October 2003, pp.321-333.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Children and adolescents in Sierra Leone have suffered through a decade of catastrophic violence and dislocation resulting from a brutal civil war. Many have been forced to flee their villages and have found refuge in United Nations refugee camps in neighboring countries. These children have witnessed the torture, maiming, and murder of family, friends, and neighbours. Some have been forced to carry arms or to serve as domestic and sexual servants to predatory rebel combatants. All have confronted enormous hardship and loss. This paper identifies three coping strategies employed by adolescents in a large refugee camp. Implications for professional practice are discussed.