Posttraumatic stress and growth among war-exposed orphans in the Gaza Strip

Abstract EN

Aim: The present study explored the impact of trauma on war-exposed orphans in the Gaza Strip reporting symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG).

Participants: N=83 children attending the orphanage, El-Amal Institute, in Gaza city were included.

Method: Measures were The Gaza Traumatic Events Checklist, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (UCLA PTSD-RI), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and a demographic questionnaire.

Results: Participants experienced 3 to 28 traumatic events (M=11.19).

Those aged 12-14 years reported more traumatic events than younger and older children; 49.4% reported no PTSD symptoms, 32.5% reported partial PTSD, and 18.1% reported full criteria of PTSD.

Children in the middle age group (12-14 years) reported higher levels of PTSD than younger and older groups.

The PTGI scale found 78.31% reported they had a stronger religious faith with 70.7% stating they learned a great deal about how wonderful people are.

Total posttraumatic growth among orphan children mean was 25.27.

There was a statistically significant positive relationship between total traumatic events due to war and PTSD, numbness symptoms, and arousal symptoms.

While, there was no correlation with PTG nor was there a correlation between PTSD and PTG.

Conclusion: Orphaned children reported significant trauma and PTSD symptom levels, which suggests the need for governmental and non-governmental organizations to identify therapeutic programs to improve their daily functioning and productivity in future.

Training is needed for caregivers in different institutions to ensure early detection of children with mental health problems and identify best ways to support.