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Volume :27 Issue : 1 1999
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Predicting Psychological Distress in Children
Auther : Fowzyiah A.Hadi
Children exposed to violence and severe trauma show symptoms of anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints consistent with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Behavioral problems in children are usually observed first by adults such as parents and teachers. The purpose of this study was (1) to determine whether behavioral problems in Kuwaiti children were evident to their parents and teachers, and (2) to 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. Sample sizes 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 not consistently able to detect problems in children. Exposure to violence was the only significant predictor of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and parental distress. Results were used as a basis for recommending intervention and training.