Cited by 167Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ResearchChild Abuse and TraumaMigration, Health and Trauma

Trauma-related impairment in children—A survey in Sri Lankan provinces affected by armed conflict

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Elbert, Thomas, Schauer, Maggie, Schauer, Elisabeth, Huschka, Bianca, Hirth, Michael, Neuner, Frank·2009·Child Abuse & Neglect

Abstract

Objectives The present study examined traumatic experiences, PTSD, and co-morbid symptoms in relation to neuropsychological and school performance in school children affected by two decades of civil war and unrest.Method The epidemiological survey of children's mental health included a representative sample of 420 school children. Local teachers were trained to administer a translation of the UCLA-PTSD Index Form. The instrument and the epidemiological findings were validated by assessment through clinical expert interview, school grades, and neuropsychological testing in a subsample (N=67).Results Ninety-two percent of the children surveyed had experienced severely traumatizing events such as combat, bombing, shelling, or witnessing the death of a loved one. Twenty-five percent met the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD. Traumatized children reported lasting interference of experiences with their daily life, which was corroborated by memory testing, scores in school performance and ratings of social withdrawal. Depressive symptoms and poor physical health were frequent in these children. The majority of trained teachers achieved valid results in the structured interviews.Conclusion Performance and functioning in children are related to the total load of traumatic events experienced. An important component of psychosocial programs in post-conflict areas should include increasing community-based awareness of the consequences of traumatic stress, both as a preventative measure and as a way of decreasing stigmatization of affected individuals.

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Authors
Elbert, T., Schauer, M., Schauer, E., Huschka, B., Hirth, M., & Neuner, F.
Affiliations
  • University of Konstanz (DE)
  • Bielefeld University (DE)
Corresponding author
Elbert, Thomas
Venue
Child Abuse & Neglect
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2009-04
Volume
33
Issue
4
Pages
238-246
ISSN
0145-2134 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2117241046
Cited by
167
References
32
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 3 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 42 · 2016: 12 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 10 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 6
FWCI
13.42
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Child Abuse & Neglect (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • KOPS (University of Konstanz) (submittedVersion)
  • PUB – Publications at Bielefeld University (Bielefeld University) (submittedVersion)
  • Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld (Universität Bielefeld) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Migration, Health and Trauma
Keywords
childhood trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, armed conflict, civil war, Sri Lanka, elementary school students, neuropsychological performance, academic performance, depressive symptoms, physical health, social withdrawal, psychosocial interventions, post-conflict mental health
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Child, Educational Measurement, Female, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Memory, Quality of Life, Sri Lanka, Warfare, Wounds and Injuries, Comorbidity, Epidemiologic Studies, Young Adult

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