Psychiatric Effects of Political Persecution and Torture in Children and Families of Victims (From Crime and the Family, P 223-230, 1985, by Alan J Lincoln and Murray A Straus - See NCJ-98873)

• NCJ Number: 98886
• Author(s): F Allodi
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 8 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Three studies of the psychiatric effects of political torture and persecution in the children and families of victims indicate that the effects are common and often handicapping and require a treatment approach that emphasizes developing a full understanding of the meaning of the experience and a sharing of the experience with other people.

Abstract

Much of the data comes from political refugees from Latin America -- particularly Chile and Argentina -- who have come to Canada. The victims have been subjected to psychological and physical torture including threats, mock executions, prolonged beatings, electrical torture, and other forms of persecution. Children have often witnessed the violent arrest and ill-treatment of their parents as well as destruction of household property. They have also been separated from their parents for periods of days, months, or longer. Three studies of the effects of this treatment on families and children have found that these traumatic experiences have interrupted the normal psychological process of mourning. Reported symptoms have included withdrawal, depression, generalized fear, fear triggered by specific environmental stimuli, sleep disturbances, and others. Treatment has been most effective when it has focused on helping these people to experience and understand the meaning of the loss and to share it with other people. Eighteen references are listed.