Adolescents and Armed Conflict

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa S. Betancourt ◽  
Stephanie Zuilkowski ◽  
Emily Coles ◽  
Katharine Collet ◽  
Musu Jambai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Intervention Programs ◽  
The Core ◽  
Safe Model

This chapter explores the consequences of war on the development and mental health of adolescents. The discussion begins by framing prevention and intervention programs within the context of human security. The example of war-affected youth in Sierra Leone is used to illustrate the interrelatedness of the core security needs and rights of adolescents, using the SAFE model (safety/freedom from harm; access to basic physiological needs and health care; family and connection to others; and education/economic security) of child protection as a lens for analysis. The chapter proposes ideas for how to promote youth development and well-being in the context of violence and other forms of adversity.

scholarly journals Mental health and wellbeing implications of the COVID-19 quarantine for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people: evidence from a cross-cultural study in Zambia and Sierra Leone

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Sharpe ◽  
Mohsen Rajabi ◽  
Clement Chileshe ◽  
Sitali Mayamba Joseph ◽  
Ibrahim Sesay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sierra Leone ◽  
Peer Relationships ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Planning Tool ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Children And Young People

Abstract Background The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantining on children and young people (CYP) living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has yet to be fully comprehended. CYP in LMICs are at utmost risk, given the COVID-19-related restrictions and social distancing measures, resulting in reduced access to school-based services for nutritional and mental health needs. This study examined mental health of CYP during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Zambia and Sierra Leone. Method A total of 468 disabled and disadvantaged CYP aged 12 to 25 completed a planning tool that comprised the short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS), as well as open-ended questions covering social connectedness, physical distancing and educational challenges during the lockdown. The community coaches screened individuals and families who could be eligible to receive emergency aid, and based on a convenience sample following distribution of aid, recipients were invited to complete the planning tool. Results The data showed that participants in the global south have increasing anxieties and fears centred on accessing offline educational resources and income loss in the family effecting food security and their ability to return to education. Mean (SD) SWEMWBS scores for all participants in Zambia and Sierra Leone, were 19.61 (3.45) and 21.65 (2.84), respectively. Mental well-being scores were lower in females, children aged 12–14 and participants with two or more disabilities. Factors significantly associated with poor mental wellbeing in the sample were: type of disability, nationality, peer relationships, connection to others during the pandemic, knowledge about COVID-19, worry about the long-term impact of COVID-19, and the types of self-isolating. Conclusion The study shows that participants who self-reported low levels of COVID-19 health literacy also scored low on the mental wellbeing self-assessment. Yet, despite undoubted limited resources, these CYP are doing well in identifying their needs and maintaining hope in the face of the problems associated with COVID-19 in countries where stigma persists around mental ill-health.

scholarly journals Promoting Voice and Agency Among Forcibly Displaced Children and Adolescents: Participatory Approaches to Practice in Conflict-Affected Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-153
Author(s):  
Michael G. Wessells
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Top Down ◽  
Participatory Approaches ◽  
Humanitarian Action ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Displaced Children ◽  
Humanitarian Work

Globally, large numbers of children and adolescents are displaced by armed conflict, which poses significant threats to their mental health, psychosocial well-being, and protection. Although humanitarian work to support mental health, psychosocial well-being, and protection has done considerable good, this paper analyzes how humanitarian action is limited by excessive reliance on a top-down approach. Although the focus is on settings of armed conflict, the analysis offered in this paper applies also to the wider array of humanitarian settings that spawn increasing numbers of refugees globally.

scholarly journals Association Between Substance Use Behaviors, Developmental Assets and Mental Health: A Glance at Latin American Young College Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denisse Manrique-Millones ◽  
Nora Wiium ◽  
Claudia Pineda-Marín ◽  
Manuel Fernández-Arata ◽  
Diego Alfonso-Murcia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Youth Development ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Developmental Assets ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is an approach that promotes resilience and focuses on youth strengths rather than their weaknesses as done by the traditional deficit-based perspective. Research in Europe and North America show that developmental assets are associated with school success, psychological well-being, and lower health risks among youth and young adults. However, not much research has been done on these associations in Latin American contexts. The purpose of this research study is to assess the association between substance use behaviors, such as drunkenness and the use of illicit drugs, and mental health, together with the mediating role of developmental assets representing youth strengths (e.g., social competence) and contextual resources (e.g., social support at home or school). Cross-national data was collected from Colombian (n = 210; 70.4% females) and Peruvian (n = 349; 66.5% females) 1st year university students. Results shed light on the protective role of developmental assets regarding substance use behaviors and mental well-being. Specifically, the results showed direct negative associations between developmental assets and substance use behaviors and positive associations of developmental assets with mental health indicators. Internal assets appear to be a stronger predictor of social, emotional, and psychological well-being compared to external assets. We did not find any statistical significance in the association of substance use behavior and mental health. We discuss implications regarding research, policy, and practice.

Poverty, Inequality, and Discrimination as Sources of Depression Among U.S. Women

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah Belle ◽  
Joanne Doucet
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Important Work ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Potential Sources ◽  
Predictors Of Depression ◽  
Economic Inequalities

Poverty, inequality, and discrimination endanger women's well-being. Poverty is one of the most consistent predictors of depression in women, probably because it imposes considerable stress while attacking many potential sources of social support. Economic inequalities within societies are associated with reduced life expectancy and a variety of negative physical health outcomes. Parallel research on economic inequalities and depression has just begun. Discrimination maintains inequalities, condemns women to lives of lessened economic security, and exposes them to unmerited contempt. Although the mental health impact of poverty is documented and largely understood, the implications of inequality and discrimination are less well known. Much important work remains to be done, particularly research that connects individuals' mental health to ecological characteristics of the communities and societies in which they live.

scholarly journals Association of self-perceived income status with psychological distress and subjective well-being: a cross-sectional study among older adults in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Muhammad ◽  
Shobhit Srivastava ◽  
T. V. Sekher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Basic Needs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Income Status

Abstract Background As the older population aged 65 and over worldwide, is estimated to increase from 9% in 2019 to 16% in 2050, rapid aging will transform the aspects such as economic security, employment status, and family structure. The effects of lower levels of perceived income and poor socioeconomic status on the mental health of older adults appear to be large and enduring. Therefore, the present study contributes to the literature on understanding the association of socioeconomic conditions and self-perceived income status in particular, with self-assessed mental health outcomes (psychological distress and subjective well-being) among older adults in India. Methods Data for the present study was derived from the Building Knowledge Base on Population Ageing (BKPAI) in India. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to understand the relationship between socioeconomic status and outcome variables. Results About 43% of older adults had no income whereas 7% had income but perceived as not sufficient to fulfil their basic needs. Nearly, 9% of older adults were retired from regular employment. Almost 70% older adults had received no pension and nearly 18% of older adults had no asset ownership. It is revealed that older adults with income that is partially sufficient to fulfil their basic needs were 2.23 times [OR: 2.23, CI: 1.75–2.84] and 1.96 times [OR: 1.96, CI: 1.55–2.47] significantly more likely to suffer from psychological distress and low subjective well-being than those who had income which was sufficient to fulfil their basic needs. Conclusions By focusing on four target areas such as the income support, education, family oriented initiatives and local or regional policies, the current framework for assessing the mental health among older adults in India can be modified. A move towards a guaranteed pension for eligible older individuals by which they do not have to remain as a financial burden on their children, may reduce their self-perceived economic distress and result in higher levels of wellbeing in older ages. Also, strategies to address socioeconomic disadvantages and gender differentials related to mental health status among older population are urgently needed.

scholarly journals Tracking Sustainable Development in Politically Violent Zones: Need for Framework and Cognizance-Kashmir in Context

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-18
Author(s):  
Mohmad Aabid ◽  
Aadil Farooq
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
National Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Political Turmoil

Abstract As a conceptual framework, Sustainable Development (SD) intends to improve current Well-Being, while preserving or maintaining the basis for future Well-Being (Solow, 1991). In order to measure Sustainable Development various indicators were chosen, among which health has been considered as an important indicator. As a result, we see a huge focus on health in Sustainable Development frameworks. But, the emphasis of frameworks has been only on the physical and epidemiological factors affecting the health. In contrary, in context of a highly political turmoil zone, it is the psychological well-being that is severely affected. This component of health i.e., psychological well-being is neglected to find a significant place in Sustainable Development frameworks. Since, these frameworks are crucial for national level policy making and it is likely that policies formulated on such frameworks may not replicate the same successful results in every context (such as in Armed Conflict). With such understanding in the background, this paper will show the need to focus on mental health in armed conflict situations in Sustainable Development frameworks. This paper will attempt to show how ignoring mental health in armed conflict situations impede development. The need to develop a holistic framework which focuses on mental health in Armed Conflict situations will be highlighted in context of Kashmir.

scholarly journals Tracking Sustainable Development in Politically Violent Zones: Need for Framework and Cognizance- Kashmir in Context

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-18
Author(s):  
Aabid Mohmad ◽  
Farooq Aadil
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
National Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Political Turmoil

Abstract As a conceptual framework, Sustainable Development (SD) intends to improve current Well-Being, while preserving or maintaining the basis for future Well-Being (Solow, 1991). In order to measure Sustainable Development various indicators were chosen, among which health has been considered as an important indicator. As a result, we see a huge focus on health in Sustainable Development frameworks. But, the emphasis of frameworks has been only on the physical and epidemiological factors affecting the health. In contrary, in context of a highly political turmoil zone, it is the psychological well-being that is severely affected. This component of health i.e., psychological well-being is neglected to find a significant place in Sustainable Development frameworks. Since, these frameworks are crucial for national level policy making and it is likely that policies formulated on such frameworks may not replicate the same successful results in every context (such as in Armed Conflict). With such understanding in the background, this paper will show the need to focus on mental health in armed conflict situations in Sustainable Development frameworks. This paper will attempt to show how ignoring mental health in armed conflict situations impede development. The need to develop a holistic framework which focuses on mental health in Armed Conflict situations will be highlighted in context of Kashmir.

scholarly journals Gender, mental health and resilience in armed conflict: listening to life stories of internally displaced women in Colombia

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
pp. e005770
Author(s):  
Emilia Zamora-Moncayo ◽  
Rochelle A. Burgess ◽  
Laura Fonseca ◽  
Mónica González-Gort ◽  
Ritsuko Kakuma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Civil Conflict ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Conflict Settings ◽  
Mental Well Being

For over 60 years, Colombia has endured violent civil conflict forcibly displacing more than 8 million people. Recent efforts have begun to explore mental health consequences of these contexts, with an emphasis on national surveys. To date few Colombian studies explore mental health and well-being from a lived experience perspective. Those that do, overlook processes that enable survival. In response to this gap, we conducted a life history study of seven internally displaced Colombian women in the Cundinamarca department, analysing 18 interview sessions and 36 hours of transcripts. A thematic network analysis, informed by Latin-American perspectives on gender and critical resilience frameworks, explored women’s coping strategies in response to conflict-driven hardships related to mental well-being. Analysis illuminated that: (1) the gendered impacts of the armed conflict on women’s emotional well-being work through exacerbating historical gendered violence and inequality, intensifying existing emotional health challenges, and (2) coping strategies reflect women’s ability to mobilise cognitive, bodied, social, material and symbolic power and resources. Our findings highlight that the sociopolitical contexts of women’s lives are inseparable from their efforts to achieve mental well-being, and the value of deep narrative and historical work to capturing the complexity of women’s experiences within conflict settings. We suggest the importance of social interventions to support the mental health of women in conflict settings, in order to centre the social and political contexts faced by such marginalised groups within efforts to improve mental health.

scholarly journals Strengths-based community action as a source of resilience for children affected by armed conflict

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Wessells
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Community Action ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Vulnerable Children ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Community Ownership ◽  
Protection Mechanisms

Psychosocial and mental health supports for war-affected children frequently are limited by a deficits focus. Current research and practice indicate the value of a strengths-based approach that supports children's resilience and supports a positive environment for children and builds on existing strengths. This paper analyzes how community-based child protection mechanisms are a cornerstone of prevention efforts, and views community-based action as a particularly valuable source for strengths-based support for war-affected children. It shows how collective planning and action on behalf of vulnerable children create high levels of community ownership and effective, sustainable supports for children. It suggests that significant work lies ahead in strengthening the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of strengths-based approaches and in transforming practice away from expert-driven approaches toward community-driven action.

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