Socio-demographics and children exposed to violence

Beginning in 2010, the work involved 229 children. The group included those who were living in the geographical area exposed to violence and children living in a comparable area. This means the latter was similar in socioeconomic status but without a presence of violence. Another sector included children who were exposed to violence in the home.

Interviews were conducted twice with all children. Socio-demographic information of the family was provided by parents as they and preschool teachers completed questionnaires. The analysis showed that the effects of exposure to political violence on social perception and behaviours were exhibited in children who had a low-quality relationship with the mother. Additionally, children who are exposed to violence at home do worse than those from normative homes found in politically tense locations.

Results are useful for their influence on psychological theories as well as their potential to advance understanding of the psychological sources of political conflicts. This will further assist intervention and prevention programmes that help children cope with the stresses of war and violence.