Psychological Effects of Trauma

This study sought to find out the psychological effects of traumatic experiences resulting from the post election violence among primary school children in Kenya. The population included all the standard seven pupils in six primary schools in Kibera and Kayole settlements. A random sample of 164 pupils in each location was selected. The instruments included: personal experiences during post election violence, psychological stability scale, and post traumatic experience psychological scale. The findings showed that there were tremendous differences in traumatic experiences between children in the violence ridden areas and those in areas which did not witness violence There was a significant difference in the level of psychological stability between pupils who experienced communal violence and those who did not. There was also a high level of PTSD among the pupils who experienced violence but there were no significant gender differences in the level of PTSD among the affected pupils.It is recommended that there should be a provision for parent-teacher communication; availability of school psychologists and counselors; in school setting.

Autorentext

Dr. Jonathan Muema Mwania is a lecturer at South Eastern University College Kitui, Kenya. He holds a Bachelor of Education(English and Literature),Master of Education (Guidance and Counseling)and Doctor of Philosophy (Education). He specializes in Educational Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Tests and measurements,Statistics and Research Methods