Growing amid adversity: an integrative review of children in areas of armed conflict
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences are potentially impactful life events on development and can have long-term effects on health. The aim of this work was to understand the biopsychosocial changes in children and adolescents who have experienced armed conflicts. This is a literature review that addressed the research question: “What biopsychosocial changes can be identified in children who have experienced traumatic events such as large-scale wars and armed conflicts?” Twenty-five original research articles were included in the sample. Through Bardin’s content analysis, four thematic categories were identified: “Adolescents and coping: promoting resilience,” “Motherhood, development, and war,” “Community interventions, social support, and coping strategies,” and “Child development: consequences of war.” The studies highlight the importance of developing and using different strategies for promoting the mental health of children and adolescents exposed to armed conflicts.
Keywords
Child development, Biopsychosocial models, Wars and armed conflicts, ViolenceReferences
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