This study attempted to determine whether Palestinian children living in the West Bank experienced anxiety as a result of the Israeli occupation. It also attempted to assess whether their anxiety influenced their political views. Children ages 9-12, living in villages and refugee camps, participated in the study. Observations and interviews were made of the children’s writings; games; drawings; behaviors; and songs. A significant difference was found in the levels of anxiety between village and refugee camp children. Some children reported less anxiety than before the Intifada and had made adaptations to their environment. Others had transcended the traumas of the Intifada and had identified morally, physically, and emotionally with the political causes. Some children who participated in events developed affirmative and positive reactions to stress. The study found that these children had developed a psychic immunity that made it possible for them to continue normal daily life. Their parents and family members supported and encouraged them. Youth without this support could not resist anxiety because their family members showed no fear. Because of their subjection to physical and verbal violence, Palestinian children were found to be more active and extreme in their political views. School work was found to be the only problematic issue in their lives. (Description from source)
