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War experiences and distress symptoms of Bosnian children

R D Goldstein1, N S Wampler, P H Wise

  • 1Department of Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Pediatrics
|November 14, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Bosnian children experienced severe war trauma, with nearly all exhibiting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This highlights the profound mental health impact of conflict on young civilians.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Trauma Studies
  • Pediatric Mental Health

Background:

  • Modern warfare significantly impacts civilian populations, particularly children.
  • Limited research exists on the psychological effects of war on children in conflict zones.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the nature and frequency of war-related experiences in Bosnian children.
  • To describe the psychological sequelae manifested by these children.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional survey of 364 displaced Bosnian children (ages 6-12) and their parents.
  • Parents reported children's war experiences; children reported distress symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Children faced widespread war experiences including separation, bereavement, and deprivation.
  • 94% met criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); 90.6% and 95.5% reported significant sadness and anxiety.
  • Greater symptom severity linked to witnessing family trauma, older age, and urban residence.

Conclusions:

  • Bosnian children endured severe and varied war experiences linked to significant psychological distress.
  • The study emphasizes civilian vulnerability in conflict and the urgent need for mental health support for children affected by war.
Abstract

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