From the South Sudan conflict to the war in Syria and the violent conflict in Myanmar, it is an inevitable reality that people will continue to experience war trauma, which will - in some cases - escalate to post-traumatic stress disorder and other major psychological disorders. This thesis sets out to examine war trauma, based on its psychological effects, treatment and management. It elaborates on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the risk and protective factors therein. Moreover, it derives information from various academic sources that will help expound on war trauma.
It also intends to use the trauma therapy sessions which were conducted by the author, on South Sudanese refugees and nationals in South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda as practical experiences in evaluating this thesis with the expectation that it will serve as a contribution to academics and also provide the much needed information on war trauma to governments, military defense departments, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors and all relevant stakeholders in this field.
With the escalation of wars and conflict, around the world, there has been an upsurge of refugees and immigrants in and outside Europe. This has sparked various debates, thereby creating an interest on the effects war has on military personnel, workers and civilians, in conflict areas. Having interacted with some of these groups at a personal and professional level, the author brings on board some of these unique experiences.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Aim of the Thesis
- Methodology
- Results of the Thesis: Literature Review
- Basic Concepts
- Aspects of War Trauma Which Lead to Psychological Trauma
- Effects of War Trauma
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders: DSM-5)
- Structural Brain Abnormalities in PTSD
- Transgenerational Transmission of Trauma and Violence
- Risk Factors in the Development of PTSD in War Trauma and Torture Survivors
- Protective Factors in the Development of PTSD in Survivors of War Trauma and Torture
- Treatment of War Trauma
- Management of War Trauma
- Author's Personal Experience in the South Sudan Crisis
- Summary of the Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- Recommendations
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to examine war trauma, focusing on its psychological effects, treatment, and management. It delves into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), exploring associated risk and protective factors. The study draws upon various academic sources and incorporates the author's personal experiences conducting trauma therapy sessions with South Sudanese refugees and nationals in South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.
- The psychological effects of war trauma.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its diagnostic criteria.
- Risk and protective factors in the development of PTSD.
- Treatment and management of war trauma.
- The author's personal experiences in providing trauma therapy.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of trauma as an emotional response to terrible events, highlighting its long-term effects and the importance of psychological assistance. It contrasts the challenges faced in managing trauma in less-developed countries with the resources and support systems available in places like the UK and Canada, emphasizing the role of government and healthcare systems in addressing mental health concerns. The chapter also introduces different kinds of trauma, specifically focusing on war and combat-related trauma affecting civilians, professionals, and military personnel.
Results of the Thesis: Literature Review: This section presents a comprehensive literature review on war trauma, encompassing its basic concepts, contributing aspects, effects, and the prevalence of PTSD. It delves into the diagnostic criteria of PTSD, explores structural brain abnormalities linked to the disorder, examines the transgenerational transmission of trauma, and identifies both risk and protective factors in developing PTSD among war trauma and torture survivors. The review is crucial for building the foundation of understanding war trauma and its impact.
Keywords
War, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), refugees, immigrants, psychological effects, treatment, management, risk factors, protective factors, South Sudan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Language Preview on War Trauma
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis examines war trauma, focusing on its psychological effects, treatment, and management. A particular emphasis is placed on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including its diagnostic criteria, risk and protective factors, and treatment approaches.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include the psychological impact of war trauma, PTSD and its diagnostic criteria (DSM-5), risk and protective factors in PTSD development, treatment and management strategies for war trauma, and the author's personal experiences providing trauma therapy to refugees and nationals in South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda.
What methodology is used in the thesis?
The thesis employs a literature review methodology, drawing on various academic sources to provide a comprehensive overview of war trauma. The author also incorporates their personal experiences conducting trauma therapy sessions as a qualitative component.
What are the main chapters in this thesis?
The thesis includes an abstract, introduction, statement of aims, methodology section, a literature review chapter focusing on war trauma (including basic concepts, aspects leading to psychological trauma, effects, PTSD, its diagnostic criteria, brain abnormalities, transgenerational transmission, risk and protective factors, and treatment/management), a summary of results, discussion, conclusion, and recommendations.
What specific aspects of PTSD are covered?
The thesis delves into the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as outlined in the DSM-5, explores structural brain abnormalities associated with PTSD, examines the transgenerational transmission of trauma, and identifies both risk and protective factors in the development of PTSD among war trauma and torture survivors.
What is the significance of the author's personal experiences?
The author's personal experiences conducting trauma therapy sessions with South Sudanese refugees and nationals in South Sudan, Kenya, and Uganda provide a valuable qualitative perspective, supplementing the academic literature review.
What are the key words associated with this thesis?
Key words include: War, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), refugees, immigrants, psychological effects, treatment, management, risk factors, protective factors, South Sudan.
What is the overall goal or aim of this thesis?
The thesis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of war trauma, its psychological consequences, and effective treatment and management strategies. It seeks to contribute to the knowledge base on PTSD and its impact on individuals and communities affected by war.
What is the target audience for this thesis?
The target audience for this thesis likely includes academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers interested in the field of trauma studies, particularly those focusing on war-related trauma, PTSD, and mental health care in conflict zones.
Where can I find more information about this thesis?
Additional information regarding the specific findings and arguments presented in this thesis would require accessing the full text of the document itself.
- Quote paper
- Caroline Kithama (Author), 2017, The Psychological Effects of War, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/381987
