Stress and Coping in Children Traumatized by War

Since Vietnam, there has been a change in the nature of wars, in which the majority of the fighting has taken place in the context of civil disorders ignited by ethnic conflict and guerrilla movements against military dictatorships. Unlike conventional war, civilians and children have been directly targeted for destruction, and families have been uprooted and forced to flee their homes, villages, and cities, seeking asylum in other' countries as refugees. This article focuses on the war in former Yugoslavia, which took place in Bosnia and Croatia, and its effect on the children and their families who were evaluated after their arrival as war refugees in Croatia and Slovenia. The article describes the wide variety of stressors inherent in the typical war experiences of children, and how they impact on coping and contribute to psychopathology. Effective intervention strategies designed to help the children achieve mastery over war trauma will also be described.

Types of War Trauma

Direct War Trauma

Direct Involvement in Combat and War Violence

These children have direct experience with bombing, shelling, sniper fire, and the destruction of their homes and villages. They may have witnessed the killing or wounding of parents, family members and friends, or the rape and torture of their loved ones. These children are