The psychosocial experiences of internally displaced children due to armed conflict in the case of north east Ethiopia: Implications for intervention

Abstract

The repercussions of internally induced armed conflict appear to vary for different groups of people. The physical and economic consequences of armed conflict have been investigated and documented by researchers. However, the psychosocial impact of IDPs on children has not yet been explored in detail. The main objective of this study was to investigate how internal displacement due to armed conflict affected the psychosocial well-being of children in Southern Wollo, Ethiopia. A sample of 25 children was purposely selected and interviewed about their psychosocial experience following displacement because of armed conflict. Ten parents/caregivers were also selected purposely to describe the situation of internally displaced children. To explain the study, system and attachment theories were mainly employed. Using qualitative methods of analysis, each child's psychosocial experiences were documented, analyzed, and compared to capture the essence (theme) of the problem. From 35 transcripts and observation checklists, three emerging themes were developed and explained. The findings showed that there existed feelings of separation, lack of hope in schooling, psychological distress, loneliness, insecurity, and depression among children affected by displacement due to war. Children's exposure and witness of the horrifying situation during displacement traumatized and disturbed them a lot. Based on the results, it is possible to imply that government and nongovernment organizations that have a stake in children should design appropriate intervention mechanics to support children affected by internal displacement due to armed conflict.