Psychological stress related to Iraqi aggression against the Kuwaiti people: Some aspects of effects and psychological reactions.

Author: El Rashidy, B.S.

Source:
Derasat Nafseyah. 5(1), Jan 1995, 19-70.
Examined sides of the psychological structure of the Kuwaiti personality according to its behavior and reaction toward the psychological war practiced by Iraqi aggression between August 1990 and February 1991. Data were collected from a random sample of 1,000 Kuwaiti citizens (aged 15+ yrs), divided into 2 groups of 500 each. The 1st consisted of those inside Kuwait; the other consisted of Ss who were abroad. Data were collected through a questionnaire, which went through stages of revision, testing, and modification. One of the main findings revealed the strength of the psychological immunity of Kuwaiti citizens facing the psychological war to defeat the will to fight during the aggression. The stress that accompanied this war and the circumstances of aggression in general resulted in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The concept of fear of the inside group demonstrated a higher percentage of fear than that of the outside (89.91% to 79.9%), but that fear did not stop the will to fight and resist. The majority of those subjected to the study realized the ways of aggressors who lie, exaggerate, provide false connections and misuse of religion, Arabhood, and economy.