This paper considers the impact of the Palestinian second uprising on the emotional and psychological aspects of the lives of Palestinian children. It attempts to shed light on changes that occurred in children’s behavior during the Intifada. Children ages 6 through 16, living in villages and refugee camps, completed a questionnaire which looked at their sleep patterns; fears; anxieties; dreams; and drawings since the Intifada. The results are categorized into ten aspects that represent basic factors that form the personality of the Palestinian children. The results showed 80% of the children were prone to depression and lacked confidence in fathers and authority figures. Both males and females in the villages and camps reported educational problems and had psychological problems because of the violence they experienced. Violence had also left negative physical effects on the children. A drawback in mental and perceptional development was noted for both males and females. Furthermore, the study revealed that no negative changes were found in terms of family relations or in family solidarity. In general, the children who coped best were those who were able to receive support and encouragement from their family and community. (Description from source)
