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Children's exposure to community and war violence and mental health in four African countries

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  • Foster, Holly
  • Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne

Abstract

In this article we review the mental health consequences of children's exposure to community and war violence (ETV) in four African countries: South Africa, Sierra Leone, Gambia and Rwanda. A focus on Africa is particularly pressing because of children's high levels of community and war ETV in countries therein. Regions of Africa present important macro-contexts for understanding children's various types of violence exposure amidst war and economic disadvantage. Findings of the review across 20 quantitative studies from 2004 to 2015 indicate consistent associations between exposure to war and community violence and children's symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and aggression. School climate and family support mitigate these ETV influences upon children: however, more research is needed on the buffering effects of such resources. The effects of war violence are mediated by perceived discrimination in communities post-conflict. We integrate findings across studies to synthesize knowledge on children's ETV in Africa around a model of its correlates, mediators, and moderators in relation to mental health. Emerging research points to avenues for prevention and future inquiry.

Suggested Citation

  • Foster, Holly & Brooks-Gunn, Jeanne, 2015. "Children's exposure to community and war violence and mental health in four African countries," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 292-299.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:146:y:2015:i:c:p:292-299
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.10.020
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    1. Cluver, Lucie & Orkin, Mark & Boyes, Mark E. & Sherr, Lorraine & Makasi, Daphne & Nikelo, Joy, 2013. "Pathways from parental AIDS to child psychological, educational and sexual risk: Developing an empirically-based interactive theoretical model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 185-193.
    2. Betancourt, Theresa S. & Agnew-Blais, Jessica & Gilman, Stephen E. & Williams, David R. & Ellis, B. Heidi, 2010. "Past horrors, present struggles: The role of stigma in the association between war experiences and psychosocial adjustment among former child soldiers in Sierra Leone," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 70(1), pages 17-26, January.
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    1. Cuartas, Jorge & Leventhal, Tama, 2020. "Exposure to community violence and Children's mental Health: A quasi-experimental examination," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    2. Anakwenze, Obianujunwa, 2022. "The cultural sensitivity continuum of mental health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 306(C).

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