Post-Traumatic Stress and Psychosocial Difficulties Among Palestinian Refugee Children

Abstract

Background: Children of Palestinian refugees face constant exposure to various types of war-related trauma, including night raids, which serve as a significant and unpredictable source of stress with deep psychological effects. Although there has been considerable research on the effects of war exposure, few studies have focused on the mental health consequences of night raids on refugee children. Objective: This research intended to evaluate the extent of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and psychosocial challenges faced by Palestinian refugee children subjected to night raids from 2024 to 2025, and to investigate variations based on gender, age, and degree of exposure. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized. The research took place in Palestinian refugee camps within the West Bank, specifically in Tulkarem and Jenin camps. The sample included boys and girls aged 8 to 14 years. Data were gathered utilizing the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) along with the UCLA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index (UCLA-PTSD-RI), both of which have been validated within the Palestinian setting. Independent samples t-tests were utilized to analyze differences between groups. Results: The findings showed that most children displayed moderate to high degrees of psychosocial challenges and moderate to very high degrees of PTSD symptoms. Female and younger children indicated markedly higher levels of PTSD symptoms. Boys exhibited greater levels of hyperactivity and behavioral issues. Children who observed night raids exhibited notably greater PTSD symptoms and emotional challenges than those who did not, while also displaying increased prosocial behavior scores. Conclusion: Exposure to nighttime raids leads to considerable psychological distress in Palestinian refugee children. The results emphasize the critical requirement for trauma-informed, context-aware mental health strategies aimed at children residing in refugee camps amid continuing conflict situations.