Predicting psychological distress in children

Author: Hadi, Fowzyiah A.

Source:
Journal of the Social Sciences, 27(1).
Children exposed to violence and severe trauma show symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Behavioral problems in children are usually observed first by adults, such as parents and teachers. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine whether behavioral problems in Kuwaiti children were evident to their parents and teachers and (2) determine which factors contributed to distress in children exposed to violence during the Gulf War. The sample consisted of children, their parents, and their teachers. Samples employed were 144 children, 144 teachers, and 140 parents. A battery of psychological tests was administered to all participants. Results showed that trauma groups for both children and parents experienced significantly more PTSD, depression, anxiety, and psychological distress than non-trauma groups. However, parents and teachers were unable to consistently detect problems in children. Exposure to violence was the only significant predictor of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and parental distress. Results are used as a basis for recommending intervention and training.