The Impact of Political Violence on Young Children in Israel Final Report for the Bernard van Leer Foundation July 2012
Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, Ph.D.1,2* Yuval Ziv, M.A.1 Michal Achituv, M.A.1 Naomi Baum, Ph.D.1 Danny Brom, Ph.D.1,2 1Israel
Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma
Miriam Schiff, Ph.D.2* Rana Eseed.2
2Paul
Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University
Acknowledgements: The data was collected by the B. I. and Lucille Cohen Institute for Public Opinion Research at Tel Aviv University. We would like to thank Dr. Anat Oren and Ms. Mazal Dudu-Ha'Levi from the Lucille Cohen Institute for their excellent work on the data collection. We are very grateful to Dr Sarale Cohen for her valuable contributions to this research, and to Aden Ratner-Stauber for the careful editing of this report. * Equal contribution by the two principal investigators: Ruth Pat-Horenczyk and Miriam Schiff
) ע"ש תמי ואלברט לטנר760284085 .ר. הרצוג המרכז הישראלי לטיפול בפסיכוטראומה (ע 53007 ירושלים, 0500 .ד. ת, 75 רח' שמריהו לוין The Temmy and Albert Latner Psychotrauma Center 59 Shmariahu Levin St., P.O.B. 3900, Jerusalem 91035 traumacenter@herzoghospital.org 04 - 8225888 :' טלTel: 04 - 8225555 : פקסFax: www.traumaweb.org
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Executive summary The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of exposure to political violence and other traumatic events on young children (ages 2 to 6 years old) and their mothers, based on a representative sample of 904 Arab and Jewish mothers in Israel. The study focused on behavioral and developmental problems and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in young children, and the post traumatic distress and available support and resources for the mothers. Based on recent developments in the field of childhood trauma and the growing interest in identifying maternal protective factors, we utilized innovative measures of maternal emotional regulation to investigate the parental capacity to mitigate distress of young children coping with trauma. Special emphasis has been made on the impact of ethnicity (Arab and Jewish), socioeconomic status of the families, religion, and immigration. Since the relationship with the primary caregiver is paramount to understanding the child’s ability to adjust in the aftermath of traumatic events, this study focused on the role of the mother in either exacerbating or mitigating the child’s distress and behavioral symptoms. We examined a broad range of developmental, behavioral and emotional difficulties young children experience, as well as the impact of maternal distress, maternal emotional regulation, and the availability of social support and social services to alleviate the posttraumatic distress of young children. Main Results: More than half of the mothers and more than 10% of their children (under 6 years old) were exposed to an event of political violence. One third of the mothers and their children experienced traumatic events unrelated to the political violence. 6.7% of the children who were exposed to traumatic experiences manifested symptoms of PTSD. 9.5% of the children in the sample suffered from internalizing symptoms, and 3.5% from externalizing symptoms. Among the mothers who were exposed to trauma 13.3% suffered from symptoms of full or partial PTSD and 25.5% suffered from depression. Arab mothers were the most vulnerable population. They reported greater exposure to events of political violence than Jewish mothers. The prevalence of likelihood for PTSD in Arab mothers is three times greater than the prevalence of the PTSD in Jewish mothers. Arab mothers also reported greater difficulties in emotional regulation, lower levels of flexibility, more mother-child rejection, lower levels of social support and less availability of services than Jewish mothers. Mothers from low income families were the next vulnerable population. They reported higher levels of Post Traumatic Symptoms (PTS) and greater likelihood for PTSD, greater difficulties in emotional regulation, more mother-child rejection, lower levels of social support and less availability of educational and recreational services, than mothers from higher income families. The third (in descending order) vulnerable group was immigrant mothers. Compared to Israeli born mothers, immigrant mothers reported lower levels of social support and not benefitting from the greater availability of educational and recreational services. Ultra-religious mothers were found not to be vulnerable to psychological distress or child's difficulties.
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In parallel, Arab children were the most vulnerable population among the child population. The second vulnerable group was children from low income families. We found no indication of vulnerability due to immigration or religiosity. In general, the traumatic experiences of the child, the maternal internal capacity (i.e., self regulation), and the quality of the mother-child relationship (i.e., the lack of maternal rejection), had a greater impact on the child than the political violence. Children's psychological and behavioral distress can be attributed to three factors: (1) societal ecological disadvantages: Arab ethnicity, low income, lack of services or lack of awareness to the advantages of service utilization; (2) child's own negative experiences: trauma history (3) mother's lack of internal resources, dyadic capabilities (child's acceptance), and external resources (lack of social support). As for mothers' internal resources- mothers' low emotional regulation capabilities are major risk factors for children's emotional and behavioral symptoms including: internalizing problems, externalizing problems, aggression and total behavioral and emotional symptoms. Study Implications:
There is a need to develop more psychosocial services that can mitigate the impact of trauma on young children. Extra services are needed for low income families and Arab families in need. There is a need to tailor culture specific services for the Arab and Jewish population according to their different needs. The strong influence of mother's emotional regulation on her child's distress calls for the development of parental programs that focus on strengthening the parental emotional regulation ability and encourage parents to seek support when in need. Our results point to the importance of maternal internal and external resources. Therefore, interventions for parents of young children in the context of trauma should not be limited to the treatment of maternal distress. Interventions should also focus on strengthening protective factors, such as mother's emotional regulation ability, social support and the advancement of community services. Our results indicate that attention problems were predicted by child’s background, recent traumatic experiences and mothers’ resilience factors. Based on evidence linking attention problems to later development of aggressive behavior, prevention programs should include a special emphasis on the role of trauma and maternal resiliency in the development of attention and aggressive problems and should be implemented as early as possible. This study demonstrates the feasibility of identifying distress in early childhood and emphasizes the necessity of using developmentally appropriate measures to detect distress in young children. Further longitudinal research is recommended to get a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma on child development, and the mitigating effects of parental care on how children develop in the wake of trauma. Further longitudinal research should have the young children in this study answer the questionnaires themselves as they get older, as what parents report about their children may not be consistent with what children report about themselves.
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The Impact of Political Violence on Young Children in Israel Children's experiences are a function of the contexts in which they live. Violent and aggressive behavior in Israel has been recognized as a significant societal concern (Israel Sderot Conference on Social Issues, November, 2010). Moreover, recent research has emphasized the positive correlation between exposure to political violence and the resulting post traumatic distress, as well as a variety of behavioral and emotional problems, including aggressive behavior among school children and adolescents. (Pat-Horenczyk, Peled, Daie, Abramovitz, Brom, Chemtob, 2007). Data suggest that violent behavior manifested in adolescence often originates in early childhood, which would mean that unprocessed trauma induced by exposure to violence increases the probability of later psychopathology and aggressive behavior. Research has found that violence exposure can lead to both emotional constriction and desensitization to violence in a subset of exposed youth, increasing the risk of subsequent perpetration of aggressive behaviors as a problem-solving, self-protective, or retaliatory strategy (Farrell & Bruce, 1997). Ozkel et al. (2011) explored the pathways from violence exposure to aggressive behaviors in urban, fourth-grade elementary school youth and found that almost all (98.8%) of the participants reported experiencing at least one lifetime violent event and more than half reported direct personal victimization. Both Posttraumatic stress symptoms and permissive attitudes toward violence mediated the relationship between exposure to violence and acting out aggression. Children exposed to violence at a young age who developed Post Traumatic Symptoms (PTS) or had permissive attitudes towards violence were more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior in the 4th grade. Therefore, Ozkel et al (2011) suggests that intervention at a very young age is essential as there is an early onset of violence exposure in children, and aggressive behavior that develops must be prevented. In the context of political violence, Laor and his colleagues (1997, 2001) demonstrated that posttraumatic symptoms such as avoidance and hyper-arousal were documented in Israeli 3
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pre-school children after the first Gulf war. Another Israeli study (Wang et al., 2006) investigated the reactions of children ages 2-4 who were exposure to terrorist attacks during the second Intifada, and distinguished the different kinds of exposure to traumatic events. They found that toddlers who were directly exposed to terrorist attacks, as compared to those who were indirectly exposed, expressed more emotional and behavioral problems such as internalizing (e.g., withdrawal) and externalizing (e.g., aggressive behaviors) problems and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, it is important to consider the allostatic load hypothesis (Danese & McEwen, 2011), which states that it is not the childhood adversity per se that is the cause of PTSD and other psychological and behavioral distress, but the cumulative effect of exposure to war and the additive effect of all other traumatic events experienced in the past or present (Kira et al., 2011).This implies that aside from war, other severe forms of childhood adversity as well as lack of adequate buffering, result in allostatic load which may lead to a profound functional impairment associated with harmful consequences on health throughout the life-course (Danese & McEwen, 2011). Thus exposure to trauma can negatively manifest itself in children emotionally, behaviorally, and physiologically. Although children with direct exposure to terrorist attacks are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems, the support of a caregiver can greatly mitigate these symptoms. Traumatic experiences shatter the "protective shield" (Freud, 1920) of young children who instinctively rely on their caregivers for protection from danger (Bowlby, 1969). Attachment to parents can be a major protective factor for the child throughout his or her development. Parents have the capacity to provide a sense of safety and security, help the child process his experiences, be attuned to the child’s needs and feelings, assist the child to effectively regulate his or her own emotions, and provide a model for adaptive coping for the child. While parents have the capacity for moderating traumatic events in the child’s life, their own distress may affect the child’s distress more than the objective traumatic events
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themselves. It has been consistently shown that parental depression is positively correlated with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in their children. Scheeringa & Zeanah (2001) proposed the concept of Relational PTSD which refers to the co-occurrence of PTSD simultaneously in parent and child, when the symptomatology of one partner (usually the adult) exacerbates the symptomatology of the other (child). A related term is “transgenerational” referring to the process of transmission of PTSD in the parent to the child. There is strong scientific evidence that children’s mental health in the first 5 years of life can be profoundly affected by the impact of traumatic stressors such as domestic violence, child abuse, community violence, and war, which creates a long lasting effect (Chu & Lieberman, 2010). A child’s resilience under these conditions is predicted by maternal wellbeing, quality of care giving, and environmental supports, which can lessen the impact of trauma and prevent the onset of behavioral problems and pathological symptoms in the future (ibid, 2010). Additionally, Feldman and Vengroberg (2011) found that mothers of warexposed children with PTSD were less educated and had less family support than mothers of children without PTSD. Maternal proximity to the traumatic event—but not the child’s proximity—differentiated between children with and without PTSD. Thus the mother’s exposure to trauma and her support system can directly affect their children. Alicia Lieberman, a leading expert in the field of childhood trauma, found that mothers of children with PTSD were less sensitively and consistently responsive to their children’s signals of distress during evocation of the mother’s trauma, perhaps because they were more actively triggered by the memory of the traumatic event which impaired their ability to attend to their children (Lieberman, 2011). This strengthens the argument that mothers experiencing PTSD or other difficult circumstances can exacerbate the development of PTSD in their children.
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This study investigated the differences between Arab and Jewish Israeli young children exposed to trauma. It has been shown that early childhood events greatly affect future emotional and behavioral wellbeing. In a study which focused on school children Schiff et al. (2012) found that adolescents who experienced childhood abuse or other traumatic events, also experienced greater levels of PTS, substance use, and violence perpetration. They also found that Arab students reported higher levels of posttraumatic symptoms than their Jewish peers, despite experiencing lower war exposure compared to Jewish adolescents in their area. Although there has been research on Jewish and Arab Israeli adolescents’ exposure to war and violence and developing negative behaviors, little is known about the impact of political violence and other types of trauma on the distress and development of very young children. Our current study, based on a representative sample of the Israeli population, fills this gap in the literature and examines the impact of political violence and other types of trauma on both Arab and Jewish young children (ages 2 to 6 years old) and their mothers. This study also takes into account the socioeconomic status of mothers and their children. Since the relationship with the primary caregiver is paramount to understanding the child’s ability to adjust in the aftermath of a traumatic event, the study focuses on the role of the mother in either exacerbating or mitigating the child’s distress and aggressive behavior. We examine a broad range of developmental, behavioral and emotional difficulties young children experience, as well as the impact of maternal distress, maternal emotional regulation, and the availability of social support and social services to alleviate the posttraumatic distress of young children. The results of this study can be used to facilitate the development of evidenced-informed and more targeted prevention and intervention strategies for young children and mothers exposed to trauma and political violence.
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Method Sample The study sample was recruited as a representative sample of Israeli citizen based on the Ministry of Interior sampling frame which is the most accurate and updated sampling frame that exists. The total sample consisted of 904 mothers, with ages ranging from 16 – 53 (M = 34.08; SD = 5.76), and their children ranging from 23 to 80 months (n=904, M= 46.6 months, SD= 13.78), 53% of the sample were boys. 91% of the mothers reported that they were married. The median number of children was three (for both Arab and Jewish mothers alike). Almost a quarter of the sample was Arabs (22.5 %). Of the 701 Jewish mothers 75.6% were born in Israel while 24.4% immigrated from a range of countries. The majority of the Jewish sample was secular (43.4%) or traditional non-religious (additional 19.7%). Among the Arab sample 46.7% reported being religious, 17.9% reported being traditional non-religious, and 19.6% were secular. From the total sample 16.5% were defined as low income families (income below or equal to 4500 NIS per month, based on categorization of the Israel Bureau of Statistics). 38.5% of the Arab families and 10.6% of the Jewish families were classified as low income families. Procedure Sample recruitment and structured face-to-face interviewing of the mothers was conducted by the Lucille Cohen Institute for Public Opinion Research at Tel-Aviv University, a university public opinion center that combines theory and methodology development with public opinion surveys conducted with high academic standards. Mothers were recruited from statistical areas that were proportionally sampled from defined geographical and socioeconomic strata. Strata were defined by ethnicity (Jewish/Arabs), geographical area (Haifa and North Israel, Ashdod and south Israel, and all other areas in Israel), religiosity and socioeconomic level. We oversampled areas with higher exposure to political violence (from
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south and north Israel) and then used weights to make sure that data on the total population will be representative. The statistical areas were based on the most updated data provided by the Israel Statistics Bureau 2009 census. If only one child ages 2 to 6 lived in the sampled household, then he/she would be the "study child", meaning that all questions in the structured questionnaire were referring to him/her. If the household included more than one child ages 2 to 6 then the interviewer asked for the birth dates of all those children. The "study child" was randomly chosen based on whose birthday was the most recent. Interviews were conducted in Hebrew for the Jewish mothers and Arabic for Arab mothers. We approached 1280 household in order to achieve 904 complete interviews. Thus, despite the length of the questionnaire (more than 25 pages) and the research population of mothers leading busy lives, we managed to achieve a 70.6% response rate. Measures Demographic information A short questionnaire especially designed for this study included 14 items regarding demographic background (age, education, place of birth, religion, working status, marital status) and socio-economic status (number of rooms, level of family income, number of people living in the house). All questionnaires were translated and cross translated to Hebrew and Arabic
Child's exposure to trauma, functioning & psychopathology (mother's report) Exposure to Political Violence Mother's report on child exposure to political violence was based on the Israeli Trauma Exposure Questionnaire (Pat-Horenczyk, Chemtob, Abramovitz, Baum, Daie, & Brom, 2002). The 6 items of the questionnaire represent various forms of exposure to political violence, which includes terrorist attacks, missile attacks, or war. Participants were asked
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whether the child was exposed at all, once or more than once to missile attacks and other forms of political violence. This questionnaire was frequently used in previous research (PatHorenczyk et al., in press). Child's Trauma History (TESI-P) Mother's report on child exposure to traumatic events was measured by the Traumatic Events Screening Inventory, a 12 item questionnaire representing a wide range of potentially traumatic events including accidents, hospitalizations, physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, community violence, witnessing domestic violence, and interpersonal losses due to severe illness or injury during their lifetime. This questionnaire was widely used in previous studies. The 2-4 month test-retest reliability of the TESI-P ranged from .50 to .70, and parentchild agreement kappas on TESI-C versus TESI-P items ranged from .64 to .79 (Ford et al., 1999; Ford & Rogers, 1997). Exposure to media A short questionnaire especially designed for this study includes 4 items measuring exposure to general television and radio on a regular day, exposure to news broadcasted via television and radio on a regular day, exposure to computers on a regular day, and exposure to news broadcasted during a security risk or terrorists attack. It was evaluated on a Likert scale of 0-4: no exposure at all (0), up to one hour of exposure a day (1), 1-2 hours of exposure a day (2), 2-3 hours of exposure a day (3), and more than 3 hours of exposure a day (4). Post traumatic Symptoms This questionnaire was adapted from a clinical interview version of a mother's report questionnaire. The original clinical interview was designed to assess Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in pre-school children (Scheeringa, Zeanah, Myers, & Putnam, 2003). The questionnaire is comprised of 25 questions focusing on observed symptoms and behavior instead of subjective experience. The questionnaire is composed of six clusters of items
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instead of the 5 listed in the DSM IV. The additional cluster of symptoms relates to developmental changes such as developmental regression, separation anxiety etc. Each item is rated on a 3-point scale (0= no, 1=sometimes, 2 = yes). The questionnaire provides a preliminary determination of the DSM-IV PTSD diagnostic status, a count of the number of symptoms endorsed, a rating of symptom severity, and a rating of the level of impairment of functioning. This study used the Hebrew version of the interview (Cohen & Gadassi, 2009). In the clinical interview items are scored by a clinical interviewer using clinical judgment based on parents answers and examples. In the current research, the interviewers were not clinicians, and therefore were directed to score this interview based on the report of the parents instead of the interviewer's clinical impression. Developmental and Behavioral Problems Maternal rating of children's behavioral/emotional problems was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for children 1.5 to 6 years of age (Achenbach, 1991). The forms obtain parents’ ratings of 0 to 2 (0=not at all, 1=sometimes, 2 = yes) of 99 problem items, plus descriptions of problems, disabilities, what concerns parents most about the child, and the best things about the child. Standardized scores (T-scores) are produced for seven Syndrome scales - Withdrawn, Somatic Complaints, Anxious/Depressed, Emotional reactivity, Sleep Problems, Attention Problems, and Aggressive Behavior, and for three Total scales Internalizing, Externalizing and Total Problem scale. The scores indicate the child's relative status on the basis of a normative sample of non-clinical children population. For each of the three total scales a T-score under 60 is in the normal range, a T-score between 60-63 is considered borderline and a T-score above 63 is in the clinical range. As for the other seven scales, a T-score under 65 are in the normal range, a T-score between 65-67 is considered borderline and a T-score above 67 is in the clinical range. This measure has been standardized on large samples of children in the US and Israel. Test-retest reliability (in an 8-day interval)
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for the total score was r = .90, and for the different scales ranged from r = .68 to r = .92 (with the mean r of .85) indicating good test-retest reliability (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) Emotional regulation Mothers completed a shortened version of Larsen and Diener's (1987) Affective Intensity Scale (Eisenberg et al., 1993), a 10-item scale assessing the intensity with which children experience positive and negative emotions such as happiness, anxiety, anger, and upset. Each item is rated on a 7-point scale (1 = never, 7 = always). Example items include, "When my child feels an emotion, either positive or negative, he/she feels it strongly" and "Even when happy, sad, or upset, my child does not get highly emotional." Higher scores indicate greater emotional intensity and emotional intensity has been found to be negatively related to preschoolers' social skills and peer status (Eisenberg et al., 1993). Mothers' Exposure to Trauma and Psychological Distress Exposure to Missile Attacks The Israeli Trauma Exposure Questionnaire (Pat-Horenczyk, Chemtob, Abramovitz, Baum, Daie, & Brom, 2002) was adapted for mothers using the same categories of exposure to missile attacks, as in the child's exposure questionnaire (see above). Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms Maternal self-report of exposure to traumatic events, post-traumatic symptoms and functional impairment was assessed using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS; Foa, Cashman, Jaycox, & Perry, 1997). The PDS is a 49-item self-report measure that yields a preliminary determination of DSM-IV PTSD diagnostic status, a count of the number of symptoms endorsed, a rating of symptom severity, and a rating of the level of impairment of functioning. Example items include: "Having bad dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event" and "Feeling irritable or having fits of anger". Each item is rated on a 4-point scale (0 = Not at all or only one time in the past month, 3 = 5 or more times a week in the past month
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/almost always). A previous study reported high internal reliability of .85 Cronbach’s alpha. The concurrent validity with the PTSD scale of the SCID (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III) clinical interview was r = .94. (Foa, Riggs, Dancu & Rothbaum, 1993.) Maternal Depression Mother's self-report of depression was assessed using The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (Radloff, 1977). The CES-D is a 20-item self-report scale that measures symptoms of depression in non-clinical populations. The responses are summed to a total score, which can range from 0 to 60, with a score of 16 or higher considered to have clinical significance. A score between 26 and 30 is considered as moderate depression and a score of 31 or higher is considered as severe depression. Example items include: "I felt lonely" and "My sleep was restless". Each item is rated on a 4-point scale (0 = Rarely or None of the Time (Less than 1 Day) during the past week, 3 = Most or All of the Time (5-7 Days) during the past week). Radloff (1977) reported internal consistency reliability of .90 Cronbach’s alpha and Test-Retest reliability after 4 weeks of r = .67. Stressful Events and Emotional Reaction during Pregnancy A short questionnaire designed for this study included six items regarding stressful events during the mother's last pregnancy and the pregnancy of the child in the research study (pregnancy complications, exposure to stressful events during pregnancy, and decreased mood following pregnancy). Major Risk and Protective Factors Mothers' Emotional Regulation The Difficulties in the Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS; Gratz and Roemer, 2004) is a 36-item self-report questionnaire designed to assess multiple aspects of emotional dysregulation. Participants are asked to rate statements regarding their emotional states and reactions in times of distress. Each item is reported on a 5-point scale (1 = almost never, 5 =
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almost always). Example items include: "I have no idea how I am feeling" and "When I’m upset, I feel out of control". This measure yields a total score as well as scores on six scales: (1) Non acceptance of emotional responses (2) Difficulties engaging in goal directed behavior (3) Impulse control difficulties (4) Lack of emotional awareness (5) Limited access to emotion regulation strategies and (6) Lack of emotional clarity. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated to determine the internal consistency of the DERS items. The DERS had high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of .93. Item-total correlations ranged from r = .16 to r = .69. Thirty-four of the items had item total correlations above r = .30. All of the DERS subscales (computed from the 6 factors obtained in the factor analysis) also had adequate internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging form .80 to .89 for each subscale (Gratz and Roemer, 2004). Flexibility The PACT scale (Perceived Ability to Cope with Trauma; Bonanno, Pat-Horenczyk, & Noll, 2011) is designed to measure people's evaluation of their ability to cope with trauma. The scale includes 20 items that focus on two aspects of coping with trauma: Trauma focus (8 items) and Forward focus (12 items). Participants are asked to report to what degree they would be able to use different kinds of behaviors and strategies in the weeks following a potentially traumatic event. Each item is reported on a 7-point scale (1 = not at all able; 7 = extremely able). The Trauma focus aspect includes behaviors such as: "Pay attention to the distressing feelings that result from the event" and "Face the grim reality head on", whereas the Forward focus aspect includes behaviors such as: "Stay focused on my current goals and plans" and "Look for a silver lining". Scores are obtained for the two aspects as well as a total flexibility score. Internal consistency reliability of the forward focus scale was alpha Cronbach’s = .85 and of the trauma focus scale alpha Cronbach’s = .79. The structural,
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convergent, discriminant, cross cultural validity of the questionnaire was also supported. (Bonanno et al., 2011). Parental Acceptance, Rejection and Control The short version of the Parental Acceptance and Rejection/control Questionnaire (PARQ-Control; Rohner & Khaleque, 2005) is designed to assess four domains of parental functioning: (1) warmth/affection; (2) hostility/ aggression; (3) indifference/neglect; (4) undifferentiated rejection. The scale consists of 24 items which are reported on a 4-point scale (1= almost never true; 4= almost always true). Example items include: "I pay no attention to my child" and "I let my child know I love him/her ". The mean unweighted alpha coefficient of the parents version of the PARQ was .84 in Meta-Analyses conducted by Rohner (ohner & Khaleque, 2005). The reliability of the control scale was also supported with an alpha coefficient of .69. The reliability of the short version of the parents PARQ/control questionnaire is not yet published. Social Support Survey The Social Support Survey is a self-report measure of social support. The scale includes 20 items that focus on four functional support scales: emotional/informational, tangible, affectionate and positive social interaction, and also yields an overall social support index. Each item is reported on a 5-point scale (1 = none of the time; 5 = all of the time). Cronbach’s alpha reliability scores ranged from .91 to .96 for the four scales, and was .97 for the total score (Sherbourne & Stewart, 1991).
Availability and Utilization of Health and Community services A questionnaire designed for this study includes 40 items regarding several domains of the utilization of community, health, and psycho-social services. Mothers were requested to report about several health issues regarding themselves and their child (general health,
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smoking and drinking habits), the availability of health and community services (Is there a school, play ground, community center etc. near your home?) and their utilization of such services (Does your child go to school, play ground, community center etc.? Did you go to the family doctor, mental health clinic, police, welfare services etc.).
Main Results Trauma Exposure More than half (57.4%) of the mothers were exposed to at least one traumatic event. Almost half of the mothers (47.8%) were exposed to at least one act of political violence, such as hearing the falling of rockets. One third (34.3%) of the mothers experienced at least one traumatic event other than political violence, such as domestic violence or car accidents. 37.8% of the children were exposed to at least one traumatic event. 13% of the children were exposed to at least one act of political violence, and one third of the children (31.9%) experienced at least one type of traumatic event other than political violence. Risk Factors for Exposure to Traumatic Events: Ethnicity Arab mothers reported greater exposure to political violence (66.8% compared to 42.9% of Jewish mothers). Jewish mothers reported greater exposure of their child to political violence (14.7% and. 6.4% respectively) and trauma history (37.6% and. 9.7% for Jewish and Arab children, respectively). Maternal Distress Symptoms of full PTSD were reported by 4% of the mothers and an additional 3.8% reported partial PTSD. Among mothers who experienced at least one traumatic event, 7% reported full PTSD and an additional 6.3% reported partial PTSD. One quarter of the mothers (25.5%) reported depressive symptoms in the clinical range (score >16).
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Risk Factors for Maternal Distress Ethnicity The rate of full PTSD was found to be 8.7% and 2.7%, among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively. Depressive symptoms within the clinical range were reported by 37.5% of the Arab mothers and 20.7% of the Jewish mothers. Low family income The rate of full PTSD was significantly higher among low income families than among families with higher income (8% and 3.7% among respectively) and this was true for depressive symptoms within the clinical range as well (32% in mothers from low income families and 22.9% in the higher income mothers). Child Behavioral and Emotional Problems Among children exposed to traumatic events, 2.4% were identified with full PTSD (according to the maternal report) and additional 4.3% showed symptoms of partial PTSD. Almost 10% (9.5%) of the children were identified within the borderline to clinical range of internalizing behavioral problems and 3.5% of the children were in the borderline to clinical range of externalizing behavioral problems. Attention problems within the borderline to clinical range were reported for 1.8% of the children. About 1% (0.9%) of the children were identified within the borderline to clinical range of aggressive symptoms and several symptoms were reported in rates demanding attention, such as defiant behavior (44.3%), destroys things belonging to his family or other children; disobedient (43.0%), sullen or irritable (36.26%), hits others (17.4%) and gets in many fights (16.0%). Risk Factors for Child Behavioral Difficulties based on CBCL scales: Ethnicity Arab children had significantly higher levels of all behavioral problems examined, as compared to Jewish children, including: aggressive behavior (1.2% vs. 0.9%), attention
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problems (6% vs. 0.7%), externalizing behavioral problems (8.9% vs. 2.3%) and internalizing behavioral problems (13.1% vs. 8.7%). Low Family Income Children from low income families had significantly higher levels of all behavioral and emotional problems. Utilization of Services by Mothers The mothers were asked to report on the availability and utilization of educational and recreational services in their neighborhood as well as on the utilization of helping services aimed at providing psycho-social, physical or spiritual support (counseling, family doctor, child's teacher, rabbi or other religious authority, mental health service, crisis services, etc). Educational Services Most mothers reported their children attending kindergarten (93%), almost 60% (58.7%) participate in informal education, and one quarter (24.1%) of the children attend afternoon complimentary education services. Recreational Services More than 80% (82.2%) of the children go to playgrounds. 23.7% of the children or mothers attend activities in the community center. Helping Services 14% of mothers went to counseling (individual, couple or family), 13.4% consulted with a school psychologist, and 13.2% met with a rabbi or other religious leader. 7.5% went to a welfare agency and 43% of mothers reached out for help to their child's teacher or to their family doctor. Ethnicity Arab mothers reported less availability of both educational and recreational services, as compared to Jewish mothers (average of 1.98 vs. 3.26 for educational and 0.85 vs. 2.35 for
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THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
recreational facilities). Arab mothers did not differ from Jewish mothers in utilization of recreational services (averages of 2.0 vs. 2.03); however, they reported less utilization of educational services (averages of 1.1 vs. 1.75) and less utilization of helping services (average of 0.93 vs. 1.56). For example, 34.5% of Arab mothers compared to 44.7% of Jewish mothers consulted with their family doctor while 29.3% and 46.3% of Arab and Jewish mothers respectively consulted with their child's teacher. Risk and Protective Factors for Child Behavioral and Emotional Difficulties Aggression We found that Arab ethnicity, male gender, and not being hospitalized in the past 12 months are significant child's predictors of child's aggressive symptoms. Mother's difficulties in emotional regulation were the only significant mothers' predictors of child's aggressive symptoms. Attention problems Arab ethnicity, male gender, not being hospitalized in the past 12 months and, attendance in recreational services but less availability of recreational services are all significant child's predictors of child's attention problems. Mothers' with fewer depressive symptoms, and lower levels of perceived social support are significant mothers' predictors of child's attention problems. Internalizing problems Child's trauma history, lack of attendance in educational settings, Arab ethnicity, and male gender are significant child's predictors of child's internalizing behavior. Immigrant mother, mother's lack of acceptance of her child, and mother's difficulties in emotional regulation are significant mother's predictors of child's internalizing symptoms.
18
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Externalizing Problems Child's trauma history, not being hospitalized in the past 12 months (yes/no), Arab ethnicity, male gender, lack of attendance in educational settings and more attendance in recreational services, are significant child's predictors of child's externalizing behavior. Mother giving birth in the past 12 months, less depressive symptoms, difficulties in emotional regulation, lower levels of flexibility, and less perceived social support are all significant mothers' predictors of child's externalizing symptoms. Total behavioral and emotional symptoms We found that Arab ethnicity, male gender, child's exposure to political violence, child's trauma history, lack of attendance in educational settings and more attendance in recreational services, are all significant child's predictors of child's behavioral and emotional symptoms. Being an immigrant mother, giving birth in the past 12 months, mother's lack of acceptance of her child, and mother's difficulties in emotional regulation are significant mothers' predictors of child's behavioral and emotional symptoms. The extent of mother's seeking helping services is also a significant predictor (correlate) of child's behavioral and emotional symptoms. Utilization of Services and Child Distress Regression analyses included the utilization of educational, recreational and helping services. We found that utilization of helping services was positively associated with the child’s distress among the Jewish population, while utilization of recreational services was positively associated with child’s distress among the Arab population. While at first glance this looks puzzling, the reasonable interpretation is that mothers who feel their child is in distress apply for services. Jewish mothers seek help in the services that offer professional help while Arab mothers prefer seeking help in more normative, less stigmatized services such as recreational services (see the implication paragraph for further discussion).
19
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Summary and Implications This study, based on a representative sample of the Israeli population, points to the high level of exposure of young children to trauma. More than one third of the children below the age of 6 were exposed to trauma. Exposure to prior trauma (not related to political violence) had a major impact on the child's current distress and on all behavioral and emotional symptoms assessed. Of the children who were exposed to any type of traumatic experience 6.7% manifested symptoms of full or partial PTSD. 9.5% of the children in the sample suffered from internalizing symptoms, and 3.5% from externalizing symptoms. Among the mothers who were exposed to trauma 13.3% suffered from symptoms of full or partial PTSD and 25.5% suffered from depression. There is growing scientific evidence that early trauma exposure, as well as maternal distress and relational PTSD, may create a significant risk for future adaptations of young children. A central finding of this study is that both mothers and children in the Arab sector of Israeli society reported higher levels of distress. Thus the Arab population is one of the most vulnerable populations in Israel. Other vulnerable populations are families with low income. Additionally, mothers who gave birth in the last year were more vulnerable to higher levels of distress. These findings have implications to facilitate the development of services for these vulnerable populations. Our study was not limited to the assessment of maternal and child distress, but also focused on the role of maternal internal and external resources. The results show that maternal ability for emotional regulation is indeed a protective factor that can buffer the child’s distress. We found that maternal difficulties in emotional regulation were strong and consistent predictors of child distress. Additionally, maternal rejection, lack of social support, and maternal depression contributed to various aspects of the child’s distress. In general, the traumatic experiences of the children, the maternal internal capacity (i.e., self-regulation) and
20
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
the quality of the mother-child relationship (i.e., the lack of maternal rejection), had a greater impact on the child than the political reality. The Implications of the Findings: (1). Need for Services: The findings of this study show there is a need to develop more psychosocial services that can mitigate the impact of trauma on young children. The child is dependent upon the mother and the mother, on her part, is influenced by the availability of social support and psychosocial services. Interventions for young children and parents should take this integrative ecological perspective into consideration. In addition, extra services are needed for low income families. The study also indicates the need to tailor culture specific services for the Arab and Jewish population according to the different needs. Therefore, the accessibility of services in the Arab population may need special attention. For example, the accessibility of recreational or domestic violence services may need to be increased in Arab populations, as their vulnerability to psychological distress may be due to lack of these needed services. There is also a need to train professionals to actively reach out to families whose children experienced prior trauma, families with sick children, mothers after giving birth (especially among the Arab population), and mothers from low income families. (2). Need for program development: The centrality of parental skills for secure child development is apparent for all families. The important finding regarding the strong influence of maternal emotional regulation to mitigate her child's distress, calls for the development of programs for parents to enhance their capacity for emotional regulation. These programs should focus on providing psychoeducation and enhancing coping strategies including those of seeking support. For example, evidence-based effective dyadic interventions for parents and young children (see: Van Horn & Lieberman, 2009) can be implemented with special emphasis on the mother's ability to
21
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
regulate her emotions, on improving parental acceptance of the child, on coping with trauma and on building resilience in young children. Programs for parents should address coping with a broad range of behavioral and emotional difficulties of young children, including attention problems and aggressive behaviors. There is evidence for the link between attention problems and later development of aggressive behavior, and prevention programs should therefore start addressing this issue as early as possible. Our findings are also consistent with prior research showing that maternal well-being affects the quality of care giving and both factors may independently or in conjunction protect or compound the negative impact of traumatic events on the child (Chu & Lieberman, 2010, Feldman and Vengrober, 2011). In addition to maternal well-being and quality of care giving, support networks also serve as a resilience factor for young children and should be the focus of intervention for families of war-exposed infants and children (Feldman & Vengrober, 2011). Lieberman (2011) further emphasizes the importance of relational based interventions focusing simultaneously on both the child’s and mother’s emotional regulation abilities and the mother’s ability to understand and respond sensitively and in developmentally appropriate ways to the child’s fears and attachment needs, “A child’s resilience does not exist in a vacuum but is buttressed by emotionally available care-giving relationships" (Lieberman, 2011). (3). Need for early detection, prevention and intervention: This study shows the feasibility of identifying distress in young children. Detection of distress in early childhood has a tremendous potential for preventing developmental problems in later childhood. The results substantiate the importance of using developmentally appropriate measures for identifying post traumatic distress in young children. Current literature on trauma in children and adults stress the centrality of early childhood trauma in the development of psychopathology. There is growing scientific evidence that
22
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
early childhood trauma can have profound and long lasting impact on development and adjustment (Chu, Lieberman, 2010). The relationships we found in our study stress the importance of early trauma, but also show that early identification is a real possibility. The next challenge is to develop and implement systemic screening procedures for exposure to trauma and posttraumatic related distress in both young children and their parents, so that they can be referred to prevention or interventions programs. (4). Need for further research: Our study suggests that exposure to political violence and other trauma has a deleterious effect on the development of young children. The findings in the current study are consistent with the accumulating evidence showing the importance of the mother as a major protective factor for optimal child development. However, this study is cross sectional, which provides a snapshot picture of the children, their distress, their mothers’ distress, and the relationship between mother and child. This one-time assessment has given us directions and hypotheses, but cannot answer the question of the long-term consequences of early trauma. In order to get a deeper understanding of the effects of trauma on the development of children, children must be followed longitudinally. Longitudinal research can also give insight into the mitigating effects of parental care on how children develop in the wake of trauma and how their world views are being influenced. There is a dearth of studies looking at healthy trajectories, as well as at the way children adapt to living in a post-war or post-disaster reality and what can help minimize the damage that trauma inflicts. As indicated by Feldman and Vengrover (2011), future research must detail the effects of continuous war, terror, and armed conflict on young children's mental health, behavior regulation, and developmental trajectories. The results of this study can be used as a baseline for repeated assessments of various aspects of children's development and for monitoring the changes in children's distress or resilience due to new programs and interventions. Additional qualitative research, which will
23
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
focus on the needs and obstacles for utilization of services, can be useful for the development of culturally sensitive and effective psychosocial services. Future research can also take the child’s gender into account as studies (Ozkol, Zucker, & Spinazzola, 2011) have found differences between boys and girls in terms of the development of PTSD and aggressive behaviors and due to the fact that boys reported significantly more exposure to violence than girls. It would also be important to investigate the difference between the impact of domestic violence and political violence on both boys and girls.
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THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
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Chu A.T., Lieberman, A.F. (2010). Clinical implications of traumatic stress from birth to age five. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. ,(6), 469-494.
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Feldman, R., Vengrober, A. (2011). Post-traumatic stress disorder in infants and young children exposed to war-related trauma. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry, (50), 645-658.
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Kira, I. A., Templin, T., Lewandowski, L., Ramaswamy, V., Ozkan, B., Abou-Mediane, S., et al. (2011). Cumulative tertiary appraisals of traumatic events across cultures: Two Studies. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 16(1), 43-66.
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Pat-Horenczyk, R. (2004). Post-Traumatic Distress in Israeli Adolescents Exposed to Ongoing Terrorism: Selected Findings from School-Based Screenings in Jerusalem and Nearby Settlements. Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 9(3-4), 335-347. Pat Horenczyk, R., Peled, O., Daie, A., Abramovitz, R., Brom, D., & Chemtob, C. M. (2007). Adolescent exposure to recurrent terrorism in Israel: Posttraumatic distress and functional impairment. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 77(1), 76-85.
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Rohner, R. P., & Khaleque, A. (2005). Handbook for the Study of Parental Acceptance and Regection. Fourth Edition. Rohner Research Publications. Pp. 137-183.
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Scheeringa, M. S., Zeanah, C. H., Myers, L., & Putnam, F. W. (2003). New findings on alternative criteria for PTSD in preschool children. Journal of Amer Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(5), 561.
Schiff, M., Pat-Horenczyk, R.,Benbenishty, R., Brom, D., Baum, N., & Astor, R.A. (2012). High school students’ posttraumatic symptoms, substance abuse and involvement in violence in the aftermath of war. Social Science & Medicine, 75, 1321-1328
Van Horn, P. & Lieberman A.F. (2009). Using dyadic therapies to treat traumatized young children. In: D. Brom, R. Pat-Horenczyk and J. Ford (Eds.). Treating Traumatized Children: Risk, Resilience and Recovery (pp. 210-224). London: Routledge.
Wang, Y., Nomura, Y., Pat Horenczyk, R., Doppelt, O., Abramovitz, R., Brom, D., et al. (2006). Association of direct exposure to terrorism, media exposure to terrorism, and other trauma with emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1094(1), 363-368.
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THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Appendix Detailed Results
28
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
A. Mothers and Child's Exposure to Traumatic Events Mothers About 60% (57.34%) of the mothers were exposed to at least one traumatic event at some point in their lives. About half of the mothers (47.81%) were exposed to at least one act of political violence such as living amongst rocket attacks or in war zones (37.84%) or they saw, heard or felt a shock, or tremor during an event of falling rockets or a terrorist attack (37.14%). One third (34.30%) experienced other traumatic events including accidents (9.07%), physical assault (3.17% by a stranger), or sexual assault (e.g., 2.26% experienced sexual assault by a stranger). Results are presented on Tables A.1 and A.2. The prevalence of exposure to acts of political violence was higher among Arab mothers (66.84% and 42.94% among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively Table A1.), Israeli born mothers (52.34% among Israeli born versus 29.24% among immigrant mothers- Table A.3), mothers from lower income families (55.60% and 45.08% among mothers with low versus higher family income respectively- Table A.4), and among less religious mothers (51.71% and 27.01% among less religious and very religious mothers respectively- Table A.5). The prevalence of trauma history other than political violence was similar in most groups except for very religious mothers who reported less exposure to non-political trauma than less religious mothers (20.2% and 37.01% among very religious and less religious mothers respectively). It should also be noted that Arab mothers hardly reported on trauma history other than political violence, as can be seen in Table A.2.
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THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table A.1: Mothers' Exposure to Traumatic Events (Frequencies, Mean and Standard Deviation) by Ethnicity Exposure to Traumatic Events by Ethnicity Maternal Exposure to at least % one act of political violence Maternal trauma history other than political violence % (at least one act) Maternal Exposure to at least one traumatic event (any % type) Mean Maternal Exposure to Political Violence S.D Maternal Trauma History Mean (other than political S.D violence) Mean Maternal Exposure to any traumatic event S.D
Jews (n=720)
Arabs (n=184)
42.94%
66.84%
<0.001 47.81%
33.23%
38.51%
0.169 34.30%
54.52%
68.80%
<0.001 57.43%
1.03 1.46 0.53
1.50 1.49 0.47
0.93
0.99
1.56 1.96
1.98 2.18
Sig
<0.001 0.474 0.012
Total (n=904)
1.13 1.48 0.52 0.94 1.65 2.02
Range
%
0-8 0-13 0-21
Table A.2: Detailed Description of Mothers' Exposure to Traumatic Events: Frequencies
Maternal Exposure to Acts of Political Violence You lived in rocket attacks or war zones You were physically injured by rockets or terrorist attacks A very close person to you was injured or killed in rocket or terrorist attacks You have seen, heard or felt a shock, or tremor in an event of rocket or terrorist attacks You have moved to another residential area because of the war or threat of rockets, for at least a week The home or other property such as vehicles, shop, etc. of someone you know was hit by a falling rocket or other politically violent incident Your home or other property such as vehicles, shop etc. was hit by a falling rocket or other politically violent incident You spent more than 24 consecutive hours in a shelter or safe room
30
Jews
Arabs
Total
(n=720)
(n=184)
(n=904)
34.82% 0.35%
49.66% 0.98%
37.84% 0.48%
6.18%
3.44%
5.62%
30.04%
64.88%
37.14%
12.96%
5.40%
11.42%
9.55%
14.24%
10.51%
3.48%
4.91%
3.77%
5.89%
6.87%
6.09%
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table A2-Continued
Maternal Trauma History other than Political Violence You had experienced a severe accident, fire, or explosion, for example: car, plane, or boating accident. You had experienced a natural disaster e.g. flood or a severe earthquake You had experienced physical assault - by a family relative or a person you knew, including robbery, physical assault, shooting, stabbing, or gun threat You had experienced physical assault - by a stranger, including robbery, physical assault, shooting, stabbing, or gun threat You had experienced sexual assault by a family relative or a person you knew, including rape or attempted rape You had experienced sexual assault by a stranger, including rape or attempted rape You had experienced battle or war Sexual contact before age 18 with someone who was older than you by 5 years or more, including genital contact or touching the chest You had experienced imprisonment for criminal offense You had experienced imprisonment for political reason You had been arrested at checkpoint by a security guard or in a surprise audit You had experienced life-threatening illness. You had experienced some other traumatic event
31
Jews
Arabs
Total
11.04%
1.33%
9.07%
2.13%
0.49%
1.79%
2.23%
0.49%
1.87%
3.85%
0.49%
3.17%
1.23%
0.49%
1.08%
2.71%
0.49%
2.26%
11.32%
36.68%
16.49%
1.86%
0.49%
1.58%
0.41% 0.00%
0.49% 0.49%
0.42% 0.10%
1.38%
2.45%
1.60%
2.19% 12.55%
1.96% 0.98%
2.15% 10.20%
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table A.3: Mothers' Exposure to Traumatic Events (Frequencies, Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration Exposure to traumatic events by Immigration Maternal Exposure to at least one act of political violence Maternal trauma history other than political violence (at least one act) Maternal Exposure to at least one traumatic event (any type) Maternal Exposure to Political Violence Maternal Trauma History (other than political violence) Maternal Exposure to any traumatic event
Born in Israel (n=724)
Immigrant (n=179)
Sig
Total (n=904)
%
52.34%
29.24%
<0.001 47.76%
%
35.65%
28.54%
0.071
%
61.00%
42.74%
<0.001 57.38%
Mean S.D Mean
1.26 1.53 0.53
0.59 1.11 0.46
S.D
0.95
0.91
Mean S.D
1.79 2.08
1.05 1.62
<0.001 0.365 <0.001
34.24%
1.13 1.48 0.52 0.94 1.64 2.02
Range
%
0-8 0-13 0-21
Table A.4: Mothers' Exposure to Traumatic Events (Frequencies, Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low 1 versus Higher Family Income Higher family income (n=632)
Low family income1 (n=125)
Sig
Total (n=757)
%
45.08%
55.60%
0.031
46.82%
%
34.06%
29.20%
0.281
33.25%
%
54.87%
60.34%
0.295
55.77%
Mean S.D Mean
1.04 1.45 0.50
1.34 1.51 0.45
S.D
0.85
94
Mean S.D
1.54 1.92
1.79 2.06
Exposure to traumatic events by Low Family Income 1 Maternal Exposure to at least one act of political violence Maternal trauma history other than political violence (at least one act) Maternal Exposure to at least one traumatic event (any type) Maternal Exposure to Political Violence Maternal Trauma History (other than political violence) Maternal Exposure to any traumatic event 1 0-4,500 IS
32
0.036 0.586 0.182
1.09 1.46 0.49 0.86 1.58 1.94
Range
%
0-8 0-13 0-21
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table A.5: Mothers' Exposure to Traumatic Events (Frequencies, Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity Less religious (n=764)
Very Religious (n=137)
Sig
%
51.71%
27.01%
<0.001
47.96%
%
37.01%
20.20%
<0.001
34.46%
%
62.22%
31.90%
<0.001
57.62%
Mean S.D Mean
1.23 1.52 0.57
0.61 1.13 0.24
S.D
0.99
0.52
Mean S.D
1.80 2.07
0.85 1.46
Exposure to traumatic events by Religiosity (very Religious) Maternal Exposure to at least one act of political violence Maternal trauma history other than political violence (at least one act) Maternal Exposure to at least one traumatic event (any type) Maternal Exposure to Political Violence Maternal Trauma History (other than political violence) Maternal Exposure to any traumatic event
<0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Total Range (n=900)
%
1.13 1.48 0.52 0.94 1.65 2.02
0-8 0-13 0-21
Children According to mothers' report, about one third of the children (31.92%) experienced a traumatic event other than acts of political violence, including physical assault (16.22%) and a serious, life-threatening medical procedure or illness (11.52%). 12.97% were exposed to acts of political violence including hearing or feeling a shock, or tremor in an event of falling rockets or a terrorist attack (6.87%) or seeing (in reality, not TV), people get hurt by falling rockets or a terrorist attack (5.19%). Results are presented on Tables A.6 and A.7.
The prevalence of exposure to acts of political violence (14.66% among Jewish children and 6.38% among Arab children) and child's trauma history other than political violence (37.61% among Jewish children and 9.68% among Arab children) were higher among Jewish children (Table A.6). The latter finding may reflect discrepancies between Arab and Jewish mothers' perceptions of what constitute abuse and other traumatic events rather than actual differences. The prevalence of exposure to acts of political violence was also lower among very religious families (4.44% and 14.48% among very religious and less religious families respectively- Table A.10).
33
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
The prevalence of child's trauma history other than political violence was lower among children from low income families (21.25% and 32.32% among low and higher income respectively- Table A.9) and among more religious families (19.30% and 34.11% among very religious and less religious families respectively- Table A.10). Table A.6: Children's Exposure to Traumatic Events by Ethnicity
Exposure to traumatic events by Ethnicity Child's Exposure to at least one % act of political violence Child's trauma history other than political violence (at least % one act) Child's Exposure to at least one % traumatic event (any type) Mean Child's Exposure to Political Violence S.D Mean Child's Trauma History (other than political violence) S.D Mean Child's Exposure to any traumatic event S.D
Jews (n=720)
Arabs (n=184)
Sig
Total Range (n=904)
14.66%
6.38%
0.003
12.97%
37.61%
9.68%
<0.001
31.92%
44.06%
13.11%
<0.001
37.76%
0.25 0.75 0.59 0.95 0.84 1.35
0.07 0.30 0.15 0.51 0.22 0.65
0.002 <0.001 <0.001
0.22 0.69 0.50 0.90 0.72 1.27
%
0-6 0-12 0-18
Table A.7: Detailed Description of Child's Exposure to Traumatic Events: Frequencies
Child's Exposure to Acts of Political Violence Your child was physically injured in rocket or terrorist attacks A close person to your child was injured or killed in rocket or terrorist attacks Your child has seen, heard or felt a shock, or tremor in an event of rocket or terrorist attacks Your child saw (in reality, not TV), people get hurt in rocket or terrorist attacks Your child moved to another residential area because of the war or threat of rockets for at least a week Your child spent more than 24 consecutive hours in a shelter or safe room
34
Jews
Arabs
Total
(n=720)
(n=184)
(n=904)
0.80%
0.00%
0.64%
1.28%
1.47%
1.32%
8.63%
0.00%
6.87%
6.02%
1.96%
5.19%
5.91%
2.95%
5.31%
2.67%
0.98%
2.32%
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table A.7-Continued Child's Trauma History other than Political Violence Your child has ever been involved in or experienced a serious accident or incident outside home where someone could get seriously injured or die? (E.g. serious accident, serious fall, a situation which he could be burned or drowned) Your child has ever been involved or witnessed a serious accident at home where someone could get seriously injured or die? (E.g. a serious fall, a situation which could be burned or drowned) Your child has ever experienced a severe natural disaster in which someone could be seriously injured or die? (Earthquake, fire) Your child has ever experienced a serious illness or injury, or witnessed attempted suicide of someone close to him/her Your child has ever gone through a serious, life-threatening medical procedure or illness, or has been treated by First Aid (Magen David Adom) paramedics or emergency room or has been hospitalized overnight? Your child has ever been separated from you or his/her father for a few days under stressful circumstances, such as out-of-home care, immigration, war, hospitalization due to illness, or parental arrest? Your child has ever been physically hurt by hitting, pushing, choking, biting, shaking, burning, or otherwise? Your child has ever seen, heard, or heard about people in your family physically fighting, hitting, kicking or pushing each other? Your child has ever known or heard about someone in your family who was arrested, imprisoned, or taken by force (e.g. by soldiers or police)? Your child has ever witnessed a rape or other forced sexual activity, or he/she themselves were forced to watch or do sexual acts (e.g. touch in a sexual manner, watch masturbation, watch someone naked or engage in sexual intercourse)? Your child has ever been repeatedly told that he/she is worthless, experienced shouting in a frightening way, or been threatened with abandonment, or expulsion from home? Your child has ever been attacked by an animal?
35
4.01%
1.47%
3.49%
3.87%
1.47%
3.38%
0.42%
0.00%
0.33%
2.35%
0.98%
2.07%
13.96%
1.96%
11.52%
4.59%
1.82%
4.03%
19.74%
2.45%
16.22%
4.33%
1.96%
3.85%
0.65%
1.33%
0.79%
0.09%
0.00%
0.07%
0.64%
0.98%
0.71%
4.38%
0.49%
3.59%
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table A.8: Children's Exposure to Traumatic Events by Immigration
Born in Israel (n=724)
Immigrant (n=179)
Sig
%
13.96%
9.04%
0.074
12.99%
%
32.98%
27.80%
0.196
31.95%
%
38.97%
33.05%
0.139
37.79%
Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D
0.23 0.69 0.53 0.93 0.76 1.31
0.16 0.69 0.39 0.73 0.56 1.09
Exposure to traumatic events by Immigration Child's Exposure to at least one act of political violence Child's trauma history other than political violence (at least one act) Child's Exposure to at least one traumatic event (any type) Child's Exposure to Political Violence Child's Trauma History (other than political violence) Child's Exposure to any traumatic event
0.257 0.067 0.057
Total Range (n=904)
0.22 0.69 0.50 0.90 0.72 1.27
%
0-6 0-12 0-18
Table A.9: Children's Exposure to Traumatic Events by Low versus Higher Family Income
Exposure to traumatic events by Low Family Income Child's Exposure to at least one act of % political violence Child's trauma history other than % political violence (at least one act) Child's Exposure to at least one % traumatic event (any type) Mean Child's Exposure to Political Violence S.D Child's Trauma History (other than Mean political violence) S.D Child's Exposure to any traumatic Mean event S.D
Higher family income (n=632)
Low family income (n=125)
Sig
Total Range (n=757)
12.14%
10.84% 0.762
11.93%
32.32%
21.25% 0.018
30.49%
37.90%
26.59% 0.014
36.04%
0.21 0.69 0.48 0.83 0.69 1.19
36
0.18 0.64 0.35 0.88 0.53 1.31
0.676 0.112 0.184
0.20 0.68 0.46 0.84 0.66 1.21
%
0-6 0-12 0-18
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table A.10: Children's Exposure to Traumatic Events by Religiosity
Less religious (n=764)
Very religious (n=137)
Sig
%
14.48%
4.44%
0.001
12.96%
%
34.11%
19.30%
0.001
31.86%
%
40.66%
21.31%
<0.001 37.72%
Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D
0.24 0.70 0.52 0.89 0.76 1.26
0.10 0.63 0.38 0.93 0.48 1.31
Exposure to traumatic events by Religiosity (very Religious) Child's Exposure to at least one act of political violence Child's trauma history other than political violence (at least one act) Child's Exposure to at least one traumatic event (any type) Child's Exposure to Political Violence Child's Trauma History (other than political violence) Child's Exposure to any traumatic event
37
0.038 0.089 0.020
Total Range (n=900)
0.22 0.69 0.50 0.90 0.72 1.27
%
0-6 0-12 0-18
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Mothers and Children's Posttraumatic Distress Mothers The average Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (PTS) among the total sample is within the normal range (Mean=6.17, SD=8.31) as can be seen in Table B1.1. Nonetheless, 7% of the mothers who were exposed to traumatic events reported symptoms indicating probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The level of depressive symptoms among the total population is also within the normal range (Mean=10.31, SD=9.89). Arab mothers reported higher level of PTS than Jewish mothers (Mean=9.53, SD=6.63; Mean =5.04, SD=8.52 among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively), and the rates of probable PTSD among Arab mothers are also higher (12.73% and 5.12% among Arab and Jewish mothers who were exposed to traumatic events respectively) as can be seen in Table B1.2. Mothers from low income families reported higher levels of PTS than mothers with higher income (Mean=9.47, SD=8.46; Mean=5.76 SD=8.05 among mothers with low versus higher income- Table 3.1). The rates of probable PTSD among mothers from low income families are also higher than among mothers with higher income (13.12% versus 6.80% among mothers who were exposed to traumatic events with low and higher income respectively- see Table 3.2). Religious mothers reported lower levels of PTS (Mean=3.66, SD=5.22; Mean=6.41, SD=8.51 among religious and less religious mothers respectively) and lower levels of depressive symptoms than less religious mothers (Mean=7.86, SD= 8.40; Mean=10.77, SD=10.09 among religious and less religious mothers respectively) as can be seen in Table B4.1.
38
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table B1.1: Maternal Posttraumatic Symptoms and Depressive Symptoms (Mean and Standard Deviation) Among Total Sample and by Ethnicity Maternal PTS and Depression by Ethnicity Maternal Post Mean Traumatic S.D severity Mean Maternal Depression S.D severity
Jews
Arabs
Sig
5.04 8.52 (n=376) 9.99 9.81 (n=719)
9.53 6.63 (n=126) 11.55 10.12 (n=184)
Total
Range
6.17 8.31 (n=502) 10.31 9.89 (n=903)
<0.001
0.056
0-51 6-06
Table B1.2: Rates of Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Ethnicity Rate of PTSD By Ethnicity Maternal Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Mothers
% %
Jews
Arabs
2.73% (n=703) 5.12% (n=375)
8.74% (n=183) 12.73% (n=126)
Sig
Total
<0.001 0.004
3.98% (n=886) 7.03% (n=501)
Table B2.1: Maternal Posttraumatic Symptoms and Depressive Symptoms (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration
Maternal PTS and Depression by Immigration Mean Maternal Post S.D Traumatic severity Maternal Depression severity
Mean S.D
Born in Israel 6.20 8.11 (n=427) 10.15 9.79 (n=724)
Immigrant 5.96 9.50 (n=74) 11.02 10.29 (n=178)
Sig 0.824
0.290
Total Range 6.16 8.32 0-51 (n=501) 10.32 9.89 0-60 (n=902)
Table B2.2: Rates of Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Immigration Rate of PTSD By Immigration Maternal Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Mothers
% %
Born in Israel 4.24% (n=709) 7.05% (n=426)
39
Immigrant 2.94% (n=177) 7.00% (n=74)
Sig 0.397 0.929
Total 3.98% (n=885) 7.04% (n=500)
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table B3.1: Maternal Posttraumatic Symptoms and Depressive Symptoms (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low versus Higher Family Income Higher family income 5.76 8.05 (n=332) 9.91 9.56 (n=632)
Maternal PTS and Depression by Low Family Income Mean S.D
Maternal Post Traumatic severity
Mean S.D
Maternal Depression severity
Low Family income 9.47 8.46 (n=75) 11.65 10.62 (n=125)
Sig
Total
<0.001
0.068
Range
6.44 8.24 (n=407) 10.19 9.75 (n=757)
0-51
0-60
Table B3.2: Rates of Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Low versus Higher Family Income Rate of PTSD By Low Family Income Maternal Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Mothers
Low Family income 7.92% (n=125) 13.12% (n=75)
Higher family income %
3.66% (n=617) 6.80% (n=332)
%
Sig
Total 4.37% (n=742) 7.97% (n=407)
0.034 0.072
Table B4.1: Maternal Posttraumatic Symptoms and Depressive Symptoms (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity Maternal PTS and Religiosity Maternal Post Traumatic Severity Maternal Depression Severity
Mean S.D Mean S.D
Less religious 6.41 8.51 (n=459) 10.77 10.09 (n=762)
Very religious 3.66 5.22 (n=42) 7.86 8.40 (n=137)
Sig 0.040
0.002
Total
Range
6.18 8.32 (n=502) 10.33 9.90 (n=899)
0-51
0-60
Table B4.2: Rates of Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Religiosity Rate of PTSD By Religiosity (Very Religious) % Maternal Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Mothers
%
Less religious 4.39% (n=747) 7.16% (n=458)
40
Very religious 1.81% (n=135) 5.79% (n=42)
Sig 0.108 0.553
Total 3.99% (n=882) 7.04% (n=500)
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Children The average Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (PTS) among the total sample is within the normal range (Mean=2.45, SD=4.96) as can be seen in Table B5.1. Nonetheless, 4.33% of the children who were exposed to traumatic events (Table 5.2) have symptoms indicating Probable Posttraumatic stress Disorder (PTSD). According to mothers' reports, Arab children experienced higher levels of PTS than Jewish children (Mean=5.93, SD=7.26; Mean=2.18, SD=4.64 among Arab and Jewish children respectively), experienced higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems including aggressive behavior (Mean=53.05, SD=4.03; Mean=51.37, SD=3.30 among Arab and Jewish children respectively), and experienced more total problems (Mean=50.45, SD=7.13; Mean=42.68, SD=9.47 among Arab and Jewish children respectively). Results are presented in Table B5.1. Compared to immigrant children, Israeli children have higher levels of attention problems (Mean=51.82, SD=3.70; Mean=51.24, SD=2.62 among Israeli born children and immigrant children respectively) and higher levels of aggressive behavior (Mean=51.82, SD=3.66; Mean=51.19, SD=2.83 among Israeli born children and immigrant children respectively). Results are presented in Table B6.1. Compared to children from higher income families, children from low income families have higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems including attention problems (Mean=53.36, SD=4.78; Mean=51.52, SD=3.36 among children from low versus higher family income respectively), aggressive behavior (Mean=52.80, SD=4.20; Mean=51.60, SD=3.45 among children from low versus higher family income respectively), and total problems (Mean=47.07, SD=9.89; Mean=43.71, SD=9.58 among children from low versus higher family income respectively). Results are presented in Table B7.1.
41
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Compared to less religious families, children from very religious families have lower behavioral and emotional problems including lower attention problems (Mean=50.98, SD=2.65; Mean=51.85, SD=3.64 among children from very religious versus les religious families respectively), externalizing problems (Mean=40.97, SD=9.04; Mean=44.46, SD=9.01 among children from very religious versus les religious families respectively), and total problems (Mean=41.45, SD=9.77; Mean=44.70, SD=9.46 among children from very religious versus les religious families respectively). Results are presented in Table B8.1
Table B5.1: Children Pathology Measures (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Ethnicity Child Pathology Measures by Ethnicity Mean Post Traumatic Symptom S.D Severity Attention Problems
Mean S.D
Aggressive Behavior
Mean S.D
Internalizing Problems
Mean S.D
Externalizing Problems
Mean S.D
Total Problems
Mean S.D
Jews 2.18 4.64 (n=303) 50.98 2.43 (n=704) 51.37 3.30 (n=704) 45.08 10.75 (n=704) 42.41 8.69 (n=704) 42.68 9.47 (n=704)
42
Arabs 5.93 7.26 (n=24) 54.80 5.28 (n=168) 53.05 4.03 (n=168) 53.47 7.39 (n=168) 50.25 7.97 (n=168) 50.45 7.13 (n=168)
Sig <0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
Total 2.45 4.96 (n=327) 51.71 3.52 (n=872) 51.69 3.52 (n=872) 46.69 10.71 (n=872) 43.92 9.10 (n=872) 44.17 9.57 (n=872)
Range 0-36
50-100
50-100
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table B5.2: Rates of Child's Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Ethnicity Rate of PTSD By Ethnicity %
Child with Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Children
%
Jews 1.37% (n=706) 3.18% (n=303)
Arabs 2.45% (n=184) 18.72% (n=24)
Sig 0.226 <0.001
Total 1.59% (n=890) 4.33% (n=327)
Table B6.1: Children Pathology Measures (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration Child Pathology Measures by Immigration Mean Post Traumatic S.D Symptom Severity Attention Problems Aggressive Behavior Internalizing Problems Externalizing Problems Total Problems
Born in Israel 2.39 4.76 (n=269) 51.82 3.70 (n=697) 51.82 3.66 (n=697) 46.88 10.85 (n=697) 44.19 9.26 (n=697) 44.35 9.68 (n=697)
Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D
Immigrant 2.77 5.85 (n=58) 51.24 2.62 (n=174) 51.19 2.83 (n=174) 45.90 10.15 (n=174) 42.76 8.33 (n=174) 43.41 9.09 (n=174)
Sig 0.590
0.048
0.036
0.281
0.064
0.243
Total 2.45 4.96 (n=327) 51.71 3.52 (n=871) 51.69 3.52 (n=871) 46.68 10.72 (n=871) 43.91 9.09 (n=871) 44.17 9.57 (n=871)
Range 0-36
50-100
50-100
Table B6.2: Rates of Child's Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Immigration
Rate of PTSD By Immigration % Child with Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Children
%
Born in Israel 1.82% (n=711) 4.81% (n=269)
43
Immigrant 0.68% (n=178) 2.10% (n=58)
Sig 0.225 0.289
Total 1.59% (n=889) 4.33% (n=327)
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table B7.1: Children Pathology Measures (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low versus Higher Family Income Child Pathology Measures by Low Family Income Mean Post Traumatic Symptom Severity S.D
Attention Problems
Mean S.D
Aggressive Behavior
Mean S.D
Internalizing Problems
Mean S.D
Externalizing Problems
Mean S.D
Total Problems
Mean S.D
Higher family income 2.29 4.86 (n=232) 51.52 3.36 (n=607) 51.60 3.45 (n=607) 46.23 10.61 (n=607) 43.52 8.98 (n=607) 43.71 9.58 (n=607)
Low family income 3.16 5.03 (n=29) 53.36 4.78 (n=122) 52.80 4.20 (n=122) 48.74 11.12 (n=122) 47.41 9.86 (n=122) 47.07 9.89 (n=122)
Sig
0.363
<0.001
0.001
0.018
<0.001
<0.001
Total 2.39 4.88 (n=261) 51.83 3.70 (n=729) 51.80 3.61 (n=729) 46.65 10.73 (n=729) 44.17 9.24 (n=729) 44.27 9.71 (n=729)
Range
0-36
50-100
50-100
Table B7.2: Rates of Child's Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Low versus Higher Family Income Higher family income % 1.52% (n=625) % 4.09% (n=232)
Rate of PTSD By Low Family Income Child with Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Children
44
Low family income 1.62% (n=121) 6.73% (n=29)
Sig 0.860 0.446
Total 1.54% (n=746) 4.38% (n=261)
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table B8.1: Children Pathology Measures (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity
Child Pathology Measures by Religiosity (Very Religious) Mean Post Traumatic Symptom S.D Severity Attention Problems
Mean S.D
Aggressive Behavior
Mean S.D
Internalizing Problems
Mean S.D
Externalizing Problems
Mean S.D
Total Problems
Mean S.D
Less Very religious religious 2.42 2.97 5.02 4.54 (n=297) (n=28) 51.85 50.98 3.64 2.65 (n=739) (n=129) 51.81 51.09 3.65 2.63 (n=739) (n=129) 47.25 43.85 10.55 11.15 (n=739) (n=129) 44.46 40.97 9.01 9.04 (n=739) (n=129) 44.70 41.45 9.46 9.77 (n=739) (n=129)
Sig
Total
2.47 4.97 (n=325) 51.72 0.009 3.52 (n=868) 51.70 0.034 3.52 (n=868) 46.74 0.001 10.70 (n=868) 43.94 <0.001 9.10 (n=868) 44.21 <0.001 9.57 (n=868) 0.578
Range 0-36
50-100
50-100
Table B8.2: Rates of Child's Probable Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by Religiosity
Rate of PTSD By religiosity (Very Religious) Child with Full PTSD Full PTSD Among Exposed Children
Less religious % %
1.63% (n=750) 4.11% (n=297)
45
Very religious 1.44% (n=135) 7.01% (n=28)
Sig 0.911 0.440
Total 1.60% (n=886) 4.36% (n=325)
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Maternal Difficulties with Emotional Regulation- A Major Risk Factor Maternal difficulties in regulation capacities were an average level (from 1=no difficulties to 5=great difficulties; Mean=2.13, SD=0.54) with greater difficulties in emotional awareness (Mean=2.51, SD=0.71) and lower difficulties in emotional clarity (Mean=1.88, SD=0.70). Arab mothers reported greater difficulties in emotional regulation than Jewish mothers in all sub-scales as well as the general score (Mean=2.42, SD=0.31 among Arab mothers; Mean=2.06, SD=0.56 among Jewish mothers in the general score). Results are presented on Table C.1. Mothers from low income families reported greater difficulties in emotional regulation than mothers from higher income families in most sub-scales and the general score (Mean=2.29, SD=0.51 among mothers from low income families; Mean=2.08, SD=0.52 among mothers with higher income in the general score). Results are presented on Table C.3. Religious mothers reported lower difficulties in emotional regulation than less religious mothers (Mean=2.00, SD=0.49; Mean=2.16, SD=0.54 among very religious and less religious mothers respectively in the general score). Results are presented on Table C.4.
46
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table C.1: Maternal Dysregulation (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Ethnicity
Maternal Emotional Regulation by Ethnicity Mean Non-acceptance of Emotional S.D Responses Difficulties Engaging in GoalDirected
Mean S.D
Impulse Control Difficulties
Mean S.D
Lack of Emotional Awareness
Mean S.D
Limited Access to Emotion Regulation Lack of Emotional Clarity Mother Emotional Dysregulation
Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D
Jews
Arabs
1.97 0.79 (n=714) 2.33 0.78 (n=713) 1.92 0.70 (n=713) 2.47 0.71 (n=714) 1.90 0.68 (n=708) 1.80 0.71 (n=716) 2.06 0.56 (n=713)
1.99 0.50 (n=184) 2.73 0.41 (n=184) 2.59 0.41 (n=184) 2.68 0.66 (n=184) 2.36 0.40 (n=183) 2.20 0.52 (n=184) 2.42 0.31 (n=184)
47
Sig 0.831
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
Total 1.98 0.74 (n=899) 2.41 0.74 (n=897) 2.06 0.71 (n=897) 2.51 0.71 (n=899) 2.00 0.66 (n=892) 1.88 0.70 (n=900) 2.13 0.54 (n=897)
Range 1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table C.2: Maternal Dysregulation (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration
Maternal Emotional Regulation by Immigration Mean Non-acceptance of S.D Emotional Responses Difficulties Engaging in Goal-Directed Impulse Control Difficulties Lack of Emotional Awareness Limited Access to Emotion Regulation Lack of Emotional Clarity Mother Emotional Dysregulation (general score)
Born in Israel Immigrant
Mean
1.97 0.72 (n=720) 2.43 0.73 (n=718) 2.07 0.69 (n=718) 2.53 0.71 (n=720) 2.00 0.64 (n=713) 1.87 0.68 (n=720) 2.14
2.00 0.80 (n=178) 2.34 0.76 (n=178) 2.00 0.76 (n=178) 2.47 0.68 (n=178) 1.97 0.74 (n=178) 1.90 0.74 (n=179) 2.11
S.D
0.53
0.57
(n=720)
(n=178)
Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D
48
Sig 0.636
0.151
0.217
0.308
0.571
0.617
0.452
Total 1.98 0.74 (n=898) 2.41 0.74 (n=896) 2.06 0.71 (n=896) 2.51 0.71 (n=898) 2.00 0.66 (n=891) 1.88 0.70 (n=899) 2.13 0.54 (n=898)
Range 1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5 1-5 1-5
1-5
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table C.3: Maternal Dysregulation (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low versus Higher Family Income
Maternal Emotional Regulation by Low Family Income Non-acceptance of Emotional Responses Difficulties Engaging in GoalDirected
Mean S.D Mean S.D
Impulse Control Difficulties
Mean S.D
Lack of Emotional Awareness
Mean S.D
Limited Access to Emotion Regulation
Lack of Emotional Clarity Mother Emotional Dysregulation (general score)
Higher Family Income 1.93 0.71 (n=629) 2.38 0.74 (n=628) 2.00 0.69 (n=628) 2.47 0.70 (n=630)
Low Family Income 2.04 0.72 (n=125) 2.56 0.67 (n=125) 2.32 0.67 (n=125) 2.62 0.71 (n=124)
Sig
0.118
0.010
<0.001
0.035
2.18 Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D
1.95 0.64 (n=624) 1.83 0.67 (n=631) 2.08 0.52 (n=628)
49
Total 1.95 0.71 (n=754) 2.41 0.73 (n=753) 2.05 0.70 (n=753) 2.49 0.70 (n=754)
1-5
1-5 1-5 1-5
1.99 1-5
<0.001 0.65 (n=123) 2.09 0.68 (n=125) 2.29 0.51 (n=125)
Range
<0.001
<0.001
0.65 (n=747) 1.87 0.68 (n=756) 2.12 0.52 (n=753)
1-5 1-5
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table C.4: Maternal Dysregulation (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity Maternal Emotional Regulation by Religiosity (Very Religious) Mean Non-acceptance of Emotional S.D Responses Difficulties Engaging in GoalDirected
Mean S.D
Impulse Control Difficulties
Mean S.D
Lack of Emotional Awareness
Mean S.D
Limited Access to Emotion Regulation Lack of Emotional Clarity Mother Emotional Dysregulation (general score)
Mean S.D Mean S.D Mean S.D
Less religious 2.02 0.75 (n=759) 2.44 0.74 (n=758) 2.10 0.72 (n=758) 2.51 0.71 (n=759) 2.04 0.66 (n=754) 1.89 0.70 (n=760) 2.16 0.54 (n=758)
50
Very religious 1.77 0.62 (n=135) 2.31 0.67 (n=135) 1.88 0.59 (n=135) 2.52 0.70 (n=135) 1.80 0.57 (n=133) 1.81 0.68 (n=135) 2.00 0.49 (n=135)
Sig <0.001
0.053
0.001
0.914
<0.001
0.180
0.001
Total 1.98 0.74 (n=894) 2.42 0.74 (n=893) 2.06 0.71 (n=893) 2.51 0.71 (n=894) 2.00 0.66 (n=887) 1.88 0.70 (n=896) 2.13 0.53 (n=893)
Range 1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
1-5
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Maternal Flexibility- A Risk Factor Mothers report high levels of flexibility after traumatic events (Mean=5.23, SD=1.17 on a scale from 1 to 7). Arab mothers reported lower levels of flexibility in the two sub-scales of flexibility (See Table D.1). Religious mothers reported greater levels of flexibility than less religious mothers (Table D.4.). No differences in flexibility levels were found between immigrant and Israeli born mothers, or between mothers from low versus higher family income (see Tables D.2. And D.3.).
Table D.1: Maternal Flexibility (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Ethnicity Maternal Flexibility by Ethnicity Mean Forward Focused S.D
Trauma Focused
Mean S.D
Flexibility
Mean S.D
Jews 5.29 1.22 (n=720) 5.19 1.14 (n=720) 9.91 2.42 (n=720)
Arabs 5.00 0.94 (n=184) 5.01 0.77 (n=184) 9.66 1.71 (n=184)
Sig 0.002
0.046
0.197
Total 5.23 1.17 (n=904) 5.15 1.08 (n=904) 9.86 2.30 (n=904)
Range 1-7
1-7
2-14
Table D.2: Maternal Flexibility (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration Maternal Flexibility by Immigration Forward Focused
Mean S.D
Trauma Focused
Mean S.D
Flexibility
Mean S.D
Born in Israel 5.21 1.17 (n=724) 5.15 1.07 (n=724) 9.83 2.29 (n=724)
51
Immigrant 5.30 1.18 (n=179) 5.19 1.10 (n=179) 9.99 2.33 (n=179)
Sig 0.390
0.636
0.387
Total 5.23 1.17 (n=904) 5.15 1.08 (n=904) 9.86 2.30 (n=904)
Range 1-7
1-7
2-14
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table D.3: Maternal Flexibility (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low versus Higher Family Income
Maternal Flexibility by Low Family Income Forward Focused
Mean S.D
Trauma Focused
Mean S.D
Flexibility
Mean S.D
Higher family income 5.28 1.12 (n=632) 5.21 1.04 (n=632) 9.94 2.21 (n=632)
Low family income 5.23 1.18 (n=125) 5.18 1.11 (n=125) 10.02 2.32 (n=125)
Range Sig
0.644
0.788
0.733
Total 5.27 1.13 (n=757) 5.20 1.05 (n=757) 9.95 2.22 (n=757)
1-7
1-7
2-14
Table D.4: Maternal Flexibility (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity Maternal Flexibility by Religiosity (Very Religious) Mean Forward Focused S.D
Trauma Focused
Mean S.D
Flexibility
Mean S.D
Less religious 5.20 1.18 (n=764) 5.12 1.07 (n=764) 9.78 2.29 (n=764)
52
Very religious 5.39 1.09 (n=137) 5.31 1.12 (n=137) 10.28 2.28 (n=137)
Sig 0.077
0.058
0.019
Total 5.23 1.17 (n=900) 5.15 1.08 (n=900) 9.86 2.29 (n=900)
Range 1-7
1-7
2-14
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Mother- Child Relationships: A Risk Factor Mother-child relationship difficulties were assessed using the Parental Acceptance and Rejection questionnaire short version (see Rohner & Khaleque, 2005). Except for the Warmth/Affection sub-scale, higher scores on all other sub-scales and the general scale reflect more rejection. Mothers' rejection/acceptance feelings were within the normal range and resemble studies conducted in different countries. Arab mothers reported greater levels of rejection than Jewish mothers as can be seen on Table E.1 (Mean=41.37, SD=9.90; Mean=31.92, SD=6.54 for the total PARQ measure among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively). Mothers from low income families reported greater levels of rejection toward their child than mothers from higher income families in most sub-scales and the general score (Mean=36.98, SD=9.51; Mean=33.80, SD=8.35 for the total PARQ measure among mothers with low versus higher family income). Other than the Hostility/Aggression sub-scale we did not find differences due to religiosity in Mothers' rejection/acceptance feelings toward their study child. Results are presented on Tables E.2 to E.4.
53
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table E.1. Mother's Rejection Feelings Toward the Study Child (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Ethnicity Mother's rejection feelings toward their child by Ethnicity Mean Warmth/Affection S.D
Hostility/Aggression
Mean S.D
Indifference/Neglect
Mean S.D
Indifference/Rejection
Mean S.D
Total PARQ (reject)
Mean S.D
Jews
Arabs
30.48 2.15 (n=711) 8.55 2.56 (n=714) 9.05 2.43 (n=712) 4.91 1.57 (n=707) 31.92 6.54 (n=701)
29.56 2.50 (n=183) 12.00 3.52 (n=183) 12.14 2.78 (n=182) 6.85 2.54 (n=182) 41.37 9.90 (n=182)
Sig 0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
Total 30.29 2.25 (n=894) 9.25 3.11 (n=898) 9.68 2.79 (n=894) 5.31 1.97 (n=889) 33.87 8.29 (n=883)
Range
8-32
6-24
6-24
4-16
24-96
Table E.2. Mother's Rejection Feelings Toward the Study Child (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration Mother's rejection feelings toward their child by Immigration Mean Warmth/Affection S.D
Hostility/Aggression
Mean S.D
Indifference/Neglect
Mean S.D
Indifference/Rejection
Mean S.D
Total PARQ
Mean S.D
Born in Israel 30.34 2.12 (n=718) 9.32 3.11 (n=719) 9.71 2.78 (n=717) 5.31 1.94 (n=714) 33.97 8.26 (n=712)
54
Immigrant 30.08 2.72 (n=175) 8.97 3.11 (n=178) 9.54 2.85 (n=177) 5.29 2.10 (n=174) 33.40 8.41 (n=171)
Sig 0.165
0.179
0.459
0.894
0.418
Total 30.29 2.25 (n=893) 9.25 3.11 (n=897) 9.68 2.80 (n=893) 5.31 1.97 (n=888) 33.86 8.29 (n=882)
Range
8-32
6-24
6-24
4-16
24-96
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table E.3. Mother's Rejection Feelings Toward the Study Child (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low versus Higher Family Income Mother's rejection feelings toward their child by Low Family Income Warmth/Affection
Mean S.D
Hostility/Aggression
Mean S.D
Indifference/Neglect
Mean S.D
Indifference/Rejection
Mean S.D
Total PARQ
Mean S.D
Higher family income 30.25 2.32 (n=626) 9.27 3.17 (n=627) 9.58 2.85 (n=623) 5.32 2.00 (n=620) 33.80 8.35 (n=617)
Low family income 30.07 2.32 (n=125) 10.24 3.45 (n=125) 10.95 2.77 (n=125) 5.86 2.31 (n=125) 36.98 9.51 (n=125)
Range Sig
0.441
0.002
0.000
0.008
0.000
Total 30.22 2.32 (n=751) 9.43 3.23 (n=752) 9.81 2.88 (n=748) 5.41 2.07 (n=745) 34.33 8.63 (n=742)
8-32
6-24
6-24
4-16
24-96
Table E.4. Mother's Rejection Feelings Toward the Study Child (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity Mother's rejection feelings toward their child by Religiosity (Very Religious) Mean Warmth/Affection S.D
Hostility/Aggression
Mean S.D
Indifference/Neglect
Mean S.D
Indifference/Rejection
Mean S.D
Total PARQ
Mean S.D
Less religious 30.28 2.24 (n=756) 9.35 3.14 (n=758) 9.63 2.81 (n=754) 5.36 1.98 (n=751) 33.96 8.29 (n=746)
55
Very religious 30.37 2.35 (n=134) 8.76 2.92 (n=135) 10.00 2.72 (n=135) 5.04 1.91 (n=134) 33.41 8.40 (n=133)
Sig 0.649
0.041
0.154
0.077
0.480
Total 30.29 2.25 (n=890) 9.26 3.11 (n=893) 9.68 2.80 (n=890) 5.31 1.98 (n=885) 33.88 8.30 (n=879)
Range
8-32
6-24
6-24
4-16
24-96
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Mothers Perceived Social Support- A Protective Factor Mothers perceived relatively high levels of social support. The mean of the total social support scale is toward the high end of the scale (Mean=74.09, SD=15.18, the scale ranges from 18-90). Table F.1 shows that Arab mothers reported lower levels of social support than Jewish mothers in all dimensions of this scale and the total score on this scale (Mean=64.51, SD=10.16; Mean=76.54, SD=15.28 for the total social support scale among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively). Immigrant mothers reported lower levels of tangible support (Mean=14.90, SD=4.77; Mean=15.68, SD=3.83 among immigrant and Israeli born mothers respectively), emotional/informational support (Mean=31.87, SD=8.37; Mean=33.67, SD=6.26 among immigrant and Israeli born mothers respectively), and lower level of total support (Mean=71.78, SD=18.52; Mean=74.67, SD=14.19 among immigrant and Israeli born mothers respectively). Results are presented on Table F.2. Mothers from low income families reported lower levels of support than mothers with higher income level (Mean=66.22, SD=16.13; Mean=75.73, SD=13.98 for the total social support scale among mothers from low income families and higher income families respectively). Results are presented on Table F.3. Religious mothers reported higher levels of support than their less religious counterparts (Mean=79.49, SD=11.52; Mean=73.09, SD=15.55 for the total social support scale among very religious and less religious mothers respectively). Results are presented on Table F.4.
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THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table F.1: Mothers Perceived Social Support (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Ethnicity Social Support by Ethnicity Mean Total Social Support Scale S.D Emotional/Informational Support
Mean S.D
Tangible Support
Mean S.D
Affectionate Support
Mean S.D
Positive Social Interaction
Mean S.D
Jews 76.54 15.28 (n=715) 34.16 6.98 (n=713) 16.10 4.10 (n=706) 13.23 2.70 (n=709) 13.08 2.77 (n=713)
Arabs 64.51 10.16 (n=183) 30.00 4.53 (n=183) 13.31 2.86 (n=183) 11.27 1.89 (n=182) 9.96 2.13 (n=183)
Sig 0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
Total 74.09 15.18 (n=898) 33.31 6.76 (n=896) 15.52 4.04 (n=888) 12.83 2.68 (n=892) 12.44 2.94 (n=896)
Range 11-06
8-40
4-20
3-15
3-15
Table F.2: Mothers Perceived Social Support (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration Social Support by Immigration Total Social Support Scale Emotional/Informational Support
Mean S.D Mean S.D
Tangible Support
Mean S.D
Affectionate Support
Mean S.D
Positive Social Interaction
Mean S.D
Born in Israel 74.67 14.19 (n=718) 33.67 6.26 (n=717) 15.68 3.83 (n=710) 12.89 2.49 (n=712) 12.46 2.82 (n=716)
57
Immigrant 71.78 18.52 (n=179) 31.87 8.37 (n=178) 14.90 4.77 (n=177) 12.60 3.34 (n=179) 12.36 3.38 (n=179)
Sig 0.022
0.001
0.020
0.194
0.670
Total 74.09 15.18 (n=897) 33.32 6.77 (n=895) 15.53 4.04 (n=888) 12.83 2.68 (n=891) 12.44 2.94 (n=895)
Range 18-90
8-40
4-20
3-15
3-15
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table F.3: Mothers Perceived Social Support (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low versus Higher Family Income Social Support by Low Family Income Total Social Support Scale Emotional/Informational Support
Mean S.D Mean S.D
Tangible Support
Mean S.D
Affectionate Support
Mean S.D
Positive Social Interaction
Mean S.D
Higher family income 75.73 13.98 (n=628) 33.98 6.29 (n=625) 15.88 3.90 (n=621) 13.10 2.49 (n=624) 12.78 2.71 (n=625)
Low family income 66.22 16.13 (n=125) 30.17 7.40 (n=125) 13.71 3.85 (n=124) 11.61 2.92 (n=124) 10.70 3.24 (n=125)
Range Sig
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
Total 74.15 14.78 (n=753) 33.35 6.63 (n=750) 15.52 3.97 (n=745) 12.86 2.62 (n=748) 12.43 2.91 (n=750)
18-90
8-40
4-20
3-15
3-15
Table F.4: Mothers Perceived Social Support (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity Social Support by Religiosity (Very Religious) Mean Total Social Support Scale S.D Emotional/Informational Support
Mean S.D
Tangible Support
Mean S.D
Affectionate Support
Mean S.D
Positive Social Interaction
Mean S.D
Less religious 73.09 15.55 (n=760) 32.92 6.96 (n=758) 15.30 4.11 (n=753) 12.65 2.75 (n=756) 12.23 3.01 (n=758)
58
Very religious 79.49 11.52 (n=134) 35.45 5.06 (n=134) 16.73 3.43 (n=132) 13.80 1.98 (n=132) 13.57 2.18 (n=134)
Sig 0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
Total 74.05 15.18 (n=894) 33.30 6.77 (n=892) 15.52 4.05 (n=884) 12.82 2.68 (n=887) 12.43 2.94 (n=892)
Range
18-90
8-40
4-20
3-15
3-15
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Mothers Utilization of Psycho-Social Services Services availability and utilization: Table G.1 presents the availability of various kinds of services in the total sample and by Jewish and Arab ethnicities. It shows that Arabs reported much less availability of services, especially recreational services. For example only 22.65% of Arab mothers compared with 89.05% of Jewish mothers reported that there was a playground in their residential area. Only 5% of Arab mothers (versus 41.15% of Jewish mothers) reported that there was Jamboree in their residential area. Despite the absence of many recreational services in the Arab sector, the prevalence of utilization of recreational services such as Jamboree (57.02% and 45.53% among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively) or recreational facilities (57.59% and 46.66% among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively) among Arab mothers is higher than among Jewish mothers. Arab mothers turn less to helping services even when services are available, such as consultations with their family doctor (34.49% and 44.70% among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively), child's teacher or nanny (29.29% and 46.27% among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively), or religious authority (0.49% and 16.49% among Arab and Jewish mothers respectively). Results are reported on Table G.2. Compared to Israeli born mothers, immigrant mothers reported greater availability of educational (Mean=3.23, SD=1.14; Mean=2.94, SD=1.22 among immigrant and Israeli born mothers respectively) and recreational (Mean=2.37, SD=1.25; Mean=1.96, SD=1.43 among immigrant and Israeli born mothers respectively) services. Nonetheless, immigrant mothers reported similar or even less utilization of educational and recreational services (Mean=1.87, SD=1.24; Mean=2.06, SD=1.33 for utilization of recreational services among immigrant and Israeli born mothers respectively). Results are reported on Table G.3. Mothers from low income families reported less availability of educational (Mean=2.44, SD=1.26; Mean=3.11, SD=1.15 among mothers with low and higher family income levels
59
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
respectively) and recreational (Mean=1.62, SD=1.43; Mean=2.13, SD=1.38 among mothers with low and higher family income levels respectively) services than mothers with higher income families. Mothers from low income families also reported less utilization of educational (Mean=1.12, SD=0.59; Mean=1.70, SD=0.75 among mothers with low and higher family income levels respectively) and recreational (Mean=1.66, SD=1.36; Mean=2.09, SD=1.30 among mothers with low and higher family income levels respectively) services than mothers with higher income families. Nonetheless, mothers from low income families turn more to helping services than mothers from higher income levels (Mean=1.66, SD=1.36; Mean=2.09, SD=1.30 among mothers with low and higher family income levels respectively). Results are reported on Table G.4. Religious mothers reported similar services availability than less religious mothers. Nonetheless, religious mothers utilize less educational (Mean=1.34, SD=0.63; Mean=1.66, SD=0.77 among very religious and less religious mothers respectively) and recreational services (Mean=1.31, SD=1.02; Mean=2.15, SD=1.31 among very religious and less religious mothers respectively) than less religious mothers. Results are presented on Table G.5.
60
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table G.1: Availability of Educational and Psycho-Social Services: Frequencies and Means Among the Total Population and by Ethnicity
Are the following close to your home? (yes) Educational Services Kindergarten or childcare center School After school program Informal education Total Educational services availability
Mean S.D Range 0-4
Recreational Services Playground Community Center Jamboree (playing areas) Recreation (arcade) place Total recreational services availability
Total Services Availability
Mean S.D Mean S.D Range 0-4
61
Jews
Arabs
Sig
Total
93.21%
83.59%
<0.001
91.24%
84.89% 86.79% 68.19% 3.26 1.10 (n=720)
71.71% 20.61% 22.92% 1.98 1.07 (n=184)
<0.001 <0.001 <0.001
82.19% 73.03% 58.74% 3.00 1.21 (n=904)
89.05% 65.69% 41.15% 45.56% 2.35 1.32 (n=720) 5.61 2.14 (n=720)
22.65% 42.41% 5.01% 15.75% 0.85 1.05 (n=184) 2.83 1.76 (n=184)
<0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
75.56% 60.87% 33.60% 39.29% 2.05 1.40 (n=904) 5.04 2.35 (n=904)
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table G.2: Educational and Psycho-Social Services Utilization: Frequencies and Means Among the Total Population and by Ethnicity Apply for helping services (yes) You turned to personal ,family or couple counseling You turned to the family doctor for counseling You turned to a teacher / children's nanny / educator to get consultation about your child You turned to a rabbi / cleric You turned to psycho-educational service You turned to internet websites for emotional or mentally support You Called the police You turned to a community mental health center You turned to the welfare department in your area You turned to the center for prevention and treatment of domestic violence You were in drug treatment residential or outpatient services You turned for telephone mental help service (ERAN or other) Mean Apply for helping services (total) S.D Range 0-12 Apply for Educational services (yes) Your child is in kindergarten or childcare center Your child is in school Your child goes to after school program Your child attend Informal education Mean Educational Services Use (total) S.D Range 0-4 Child usually goes to playground Child usually attends community center activities Child usually goes to Jamboree (playing areas) Child usually goes to recreational places Mean Recreational Services Use (total) S.D Range 0-4 Mean Total use of services S.D Range 0-8
62
Jews 13.90% 44.70%
Arabs 14.17% 34.49%
Sig 0.912 0.014
Total 13.95% 42.62%
46.27%
29.29%
<0.001
42.80%
16.49% 16.09%
0.49% 2.96%
<0.001 <0.001
13.22% 13.42%
2.26%
1.47%
0.614
2.10%
2.49% 2.74% 8.24%
1.47% 1.96% 4.42%
0.483 0.640 0.075
2.28% 2.58% 7.46%
2.09%
0.98%
0.373
1.86%
0.86%
0.49%
0.688
0.78%
0.70%
0.98%
0.606
0.76%
1.56 1.64 (n=720)
0.93 1.47 (n=184)
<0.001
1.44 1.62 (n=904)
Jews
Arabs
Sig
Total
96.95% 3.43% 46.11% 28.40% 1.75 0.73 (n=720) 86.22% 24.82% 45.53% 46.66% 2.03 1.26 (n=720) 3.78 1.65 (n=720)
78.61% 18.33% 5.40% 7.36% 1.10 0.63 (n=184) 66.32% 19.15% 57.02% 57.59% 2.00 1.50 (n=184) 3.10 1.69 (n=184)
<0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
93.21% 6.47% 37.82% 24.11% 1.62 0.76 (n=904) 82.17% 23.66% 47.87% 48.89% 2.03 1.31 (n=904) 3.64 1.68 (n=904)
<0.001 <0.001 0.096 0.005 0.008 0.771
<0.001
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table G.3: Educational and Psycho-Social Services Utilization and Availability (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Immigration
Availability and Utilization of Educational and Psycho-Social Services by Immigration Mean Apply for Helping Services S.D
Total Use of Services
Mean S.D
Educational Services Use
Mean S.D
Recreational Services Use
Mean S.D
Total Services Availability
Mean S.D
Total Educational Services Availability Total Recreational Services Availability
Mean S.D Mean S.D
Born in Israel 1.42 1.59 (n=724) 3.67 1.70 (n=724) 1.61 0.77 (n=724) 2.06 1.33 (n=724) 4.90 2.39 (n=724) 2.94 1.22 (n=724) 1.96 1.43 (n=724)
63
Immigrant 1.49 1.77 (n=179) 3.53 1.61 (n=179) 1.66 0.72 (n=179) 1.87 1.24 (n=179) 5.60 2.11 (n=179) 3.23 1.14 (n=179) 2.37 1.25 (n=179)
Sig 0.609
0.321
0.409
0.080
<0.001
0.003
<0.001
Total 1.44 1.62 (n=904) 3.64 1.68 (n=904) 1.62 0.76 (n=904) 2.02 1.31 (n=904) 5.04 2.35 (n=904) 2.99 1.21 (n=904) 2.04 1.40 (n=904)
Range 0-12
0-8
0-4
0-4
0-8
0-4
0-4
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table G.4: Educational and Psycho-Social Services Utilization and Availability (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Low versus Higher Family Income Availability and Utilization of Educational and Psycho-Social Services by Low Family Income Mean Apply for Helping Services S.D
Total Use of Services
Mean S.D
Educational Services Use
Mean S.D
Recreational Services Use
Mean S.D
Total Services Availability
Mean S.D
Total Educational Services Availability Total Recreational Services Availability
Higher family income 1.36 1.50 (n=632) 3.79 1.66 (n=632) 1.70 0.75 (n=632) 2.09 1.30 (n=632) 5.24 2.25 (n=632) 3.11 1.15 (n=632) 2.13 1.38 (n=632)
Mean S.D Mean S.D
64
Low family income 1.69 2.17 (n=125) 2.78 1.55 (n=125) 1.12 0.59 (n=125) 1.66 1.36 (n=125) 4.06 2.44 (n=125) 2.44 1.26 (n=125) 1.62 1.43 (n=125)
Range Sig
Total
1.42 0.039 1.63 (n=757) 3.62 <0.001 1.68 (n=757) 1.61 <0.001 0.76 (n=757) 2.01 0.001 1.32 (n=757) 5.05 <0.001 2.33 (n=757) 3.00 <0.001 1.19 (n=757) 2.05 <0.001 1.40 (n=757)
0-12
0-8
0-4
0-4
0-8
0-4
0-4
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table G.5: Educational and Psycho-Social Services Utilization and Availability (Mean and Standard Deviation) by Religiosity
Availability and Utilization of Educational and Psycho-Social Services by Religiosity (Very Religious) Mean Apply for helping services S.D
Total use of Services
Mean S.D
Educational Services Use
Mean S.D
Recreational Services Use
Mean S.D
Total Services Availability
Mean S.D
Total Educational Services Availability Total Recreational Services Availability
Mean S.D Mean S.D
65
Less religious
Very religious
1.43 1.61 (n=764) 3.82 1.68 (n=764) 1.66 0.77 (n=764) 2.15 1.31 (n=764) 5.06 2.36 (n=764) 3.02 1.21 (n=764) 2.04 1.41 (n=764)
1.49 1.69 (n=137) 2.65 1.26 (n=137) 1.34 0.63 (n=137) 1.31 1.02 (n=137) 4.91 2.34 (n=137) 2.85 1.23 (n=137) 2.06 1.38 (n=137)
Sig
0.689
<0.001
<0.001
<0.001
0.497
0.121
0.842
Total 1.44 1.63 (n=900) 3.64 1.68 (n=900) 1.62 0.76 (n=900) 2.02 1.31 (n=900) 5.04 2.35 (n=900) 2.99 1.21 (n=900) 2.04 1.40 (n=900)
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Predictors of Child's Symptoms This section will present findings from several hierarchical regression analyses predicting child's symptoms and behavioral difficulties from background variables, exposure to trauma, mothers and children risk and protective factors and utilization of services. We included the predictor variables in 8 steps. The first step included Ethnicity (Arab or Jewish), Gender (female/male), and child's age. In the second step we added family income, housing density, religiosity (very religious/less religious), and immigration (immigrant or Israeli born). In the third step we added whether the mother gave birth in the past 12 months (yes/no), and whether the child has been hospitalized in the past 12 months. In the fourth step we added whether mother smoked cigarettes (at least once a day/less), or drank alcohol (at least once a month/less). In the fifth step we added child's exposure to political violence and child's trauma history (both on continuous scale). In the sixth step we added mother's trauma history, mother's depression, and mother's rejection or acceptance of her child. The seventh step we added mother's emotional difficulties in emotional regulation (dysregulation- continuous scale), mother's perceived social support, and mother's flexibility (both on continuous scale). The eighth and last step we added the extent of mother's seeking help, availability of psychosocial services and utilization of services. Results are presented on Tables H.1to H.5. We indicate here only the variables that were found as significant predictors in the eighth and last step once all other variables were already included in the equation. The significant predictors in the last step are also marked in the table.
Child's internalizing symptoms- all variables predict 25% of the explained variance. Child's trauma history, lack of attendance in educational settings, Arab ethnicity, and male gender are significant child's predictors of child's internalizing behavior. Immigrant mother, mother's lack of acceptance of her child, and mother's difficulties in emotional regulation
66
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
were significant mother's predictors of child's internalizing symptoms. The extent of mother's seeking helping services was also a significant predictor (correlate) of child's internalizing problems. Results are presented on Table H.1.
Child's externalizing symptoms- all variables predict 24% of the explained variance. Child's trauma history, not being hospitalized in the past 12 months (yes/no), Arab ethnicity, male gender, lack of attendance in educational settings and more attendance in recreational services, are significant child's predictors of child's externalizing behavior. Mother giving birth in the past 12 months, less depressive symptoms, mother's difficulties in emotional regulation, lower levels of flexibility, and less perceived social support are all significant mothers' predictors of child's externalizing symptoms. Results are presented on Table H.2.
Child's aggressive symptoms- all variables predict only 7% of the explained variance. Arab ethnicity, male gender, and not being hospitalized in the past 12 months are significant child's predictors of child's aggressive symptoms. Mother's difficulties in emotional regulation were the only significant mothers' predictors of child's aggressive symptoms. Results are presented on Table H.3.
Child's attention problems- all variables predict 27% of the explained variance. Arab ethnicity, male gender, not being hospitalized in the past 12 months, attendance in recreational services, and less availability of recreational services are all significant child's predictors of child's attention problems. Mothers' lower levels of depressive symptoms, and lower levels of perceived social support are significant mothers' predictors of child's attention problems. Results are presented on Table H.4.
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THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Child's emotional and behavioral problems (total score on the CBCL): all variables predict 26% of the explained variance. Arab ethnicity, male gender, child's exposure to political violence and child's trauma history, lack of attendance in educational settings and more attendance in recreational services, are all significant child's predictors of child's emotional and behavioral problems. Immigrant mother, giving birth in the past 12 months, mother's lack of acceptance of her child and mother's difficulties in emotional regulation are significant mothers' predictors of child's emotional and behavioral problems. The extent of mother's seeking helping services was also a significant predictor (correlate) of child's emotional and behavioral problems. Results are presented on Table H.5.
68
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Table H.1: Predictors of Child's Internalizing Symptoms: Hierarchical Linear Regression Models Model Ethnicity (Arab)
Child's gender (Female)
Child's age
Family Income (0-4,500 NIS/ higher)
Housing density
Religiosity (Very religious)
Immigration (Immigrant) Mother gave birth in the past 12 months (yes) Child has been hospitalized in the past 12 months (yes) Mother smoked at least one cigarette a day Mother drank alcohol at least once a month Child's exposure to political violence
Child's trauma history
Mother's exposure to political violence
Mother's trauma history Mother's depression (CESD total score) Mother's rejection/acceptance of her child (rejection, total PARQ score) Mother Emotional Dysregulation Mother's perceived social support (total scale) Mother's flexibility
B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B
1 7.578 0.285 0.000 -2.036 -0.095 0.009 0.038 0.049 0.181
69
2 7.996 0.301 0.000 -2.077 -0.097 0.007 0.036 0.046 0.203 -0.242 -0.009 0.827 -0.857 -0.024 0.528 -2.399 -0.079 0.038 2.530 0.095 0.011
3 7.625 0.287 0.000 -2.051 -0.096 0.008 0.040 0.051 0.157 -0.243 -0.009 0.827 -0.589 -0.016 0.669 -2.312 -0.076 0.046 2.605 0.098 0.009 1.038 0.038 0.305 1.055 0.041 0.297
4 7.400 0.278 0.000 -2.024 -0.095 0.009 0.043 0.055 0.129 -0.248 -0.009 0.823 -0.504 -0.014 0.715 -2.490 -0.082 0.036 2.749 0.103 0.006 1.000 0.036 0.324 1.054 0.041 0.298 0.006 0.000 0.996 -1.497 -0.048 0.222
5 9.172 0.345 0.000 -1.692 -0.079 0.025 0.028 0.036 0.319 -0.322 -0.011 0.766 -0.240 -0.007 0.858 -1.825 -0.060 0.115 3.391 0.127 0.001 1.673 0.061 0.092 0.585 0.023 0.554 -0.436 -0.015 0.695 -1.581 -0.051 0.186 1.018 0.067 0.071 2.627 0.209 0.000
6 7.156 0.269 0.000 -1.799 -0.084 0.014 0.003 0.004 0.903 -0.691 -0.024 0.511 0.157 0.004 0.905 -1.285 -0.042 0.255 2.624 0.098 0.006 2.017 0.073 0.036 -0.833 -0.032 0.393 -1.401 -0.049 0.196 -1.285 -0.041 0.266 0.856 0.057 0.132 2.265 0.181 0.000 0.233 0.032 0.410 0.053 0.004 0.907 0.168 0.153 0.000 0.238 0.181 0.000
7 5.647 0.213 0.000 -1.822 -0.085 0.011 0.006 0.007 0.829 -0.981 -0.035 0.348 0.721 0.020 0.578 -0.787 -0.026 0.479 2.450 0.092 0.010 1.762 0.064 0.063 -0.550 -0.021 0.566 -1.563 -0.054 0.141 -1.174 -0.038 0.300 0.872 0.058 0.119 1.968 0.157 0.000 0.223 0.031 0.421 -0.049 -0.004 0.913 0.032 0.029 0.522 0.205 0.156 0.000 3.702 0.181 0.000 -0.031 -0.043 0.320 -0.387
8 4.355 0.164 0.003 -1.590 -0.075 0.027 0.016 0.020 0.564 -1.680 -0.059 0.114 0.975 0.027 0.452 -0.977 -0.032 0.393 2.438 0.091 0.010 1.749 0.064 0.064 -0.484 -0.019 0.616 -1.763 -0.061 0.096 -1.168 -0.038 0.301 1.023 0.068 0.067 1.889 0.151 0.000 0.250 0.035 0.365 -0.214 -0.018 0.635 0.019 0.017 0.707 0.223 0.169 0.000 3.798 0.185 0.000 -0.021 -0.029 0.502 -0.350
THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON YOUNG CHILDREN IN ISRAEL
Mother's applied for helping services
Child' use Educational Services
Child's use of recreational Services Availability of formal Educational settings Availability of recreational services
Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig.
Adjusted R Square Change Statistics
R Square Change Sig. F Change
-0.080 0.034
0.088 0.092 0.000
70
0.098 0.015 0.024
0.098 0.003 0.354
0.098 0.002 0.443
0.146 0.050 0.000
0.205 0.062 0.000
0.239 0.037 0.000
-0.072 0.055 0.504 0.078 0.035 -1.645 -0.117 0.003 0.499 0.061 0.132 -0.209 -0.024 0.600 -0.181 -0.024 0.609 0.250 0.016 0.011
Table H.2: Predictors of Child's Externalizing Symptoms: Hierarchical Linear Regression Models Model Ethnicity (Arab)
Child's gender (Female)
Child's age
Family Income (0-4,500 NIS/ higher)
Housing density
Religiosity (Very religious)
Immigration (Immigrant) Mother gave birth in the past 12 months (yes) Child has been hospitalized in the past 12 months (yes) Mother smoked at least one cigarette a day Mother drank alcohol at least once a month Child's exposure to political violence
Child's trauma history
Mother's exposure to political violence
Mother's trauma history Mother's depression (CESD total score) Mother's rejection/acceptance of her child (rejection, total PARQ score) Mother Emotional Dysregulation Mother's perceived social support
B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B
1 7.649 0.332 0.000 -2.597 -0.140 0.000 -0.031 -0.046 0.200
2 7.305 0.317 0.000 -2.581 -0.139 0.000 -0.033 -0.049 0.165 1.654 0.067 0.079 0.694 0.022 0.548 -2.403 -0.091 0.015 1.218 0.053 0.147
71
3 8.228 0.357 0.000 -2.679 -0.145 0.000 -0.031 -0.046 0.194 1.818 0.074 0.053 0.887 0.028 0.445 -2.514 -0.095 0.010 1.230 0.053 0.141 1.569 0.066 0.067 -2.316 -0.104 0.007
4 8.494 0.368 0.000 -2.627 -0.142 0.000 -0.029 -0.043 0.224 1.726 0.070 0.066 0.990 0.032 0.395 -2.218 -0.084 0.027 1.362 0.059 0.106 1.642 0.069 0.055 -2.274 -0.102 0.008 1.856 0.074 0.053 -0.989 -0.037 0.338
5 9.644 0.418 0.000 -2.408 -0.130 0.000 -0.040 -0.059 0.094 1.671 0.068 0.071 1.157 0.037 0.313 -1.770 -0.067 0.074 1.771 0.077 0.034 2.096 0.088 0.014 -2.578 -0.116 0.002 1.602 0.064 0.092 -1.018 -0.038 0.318 0.834 0.063 0.083 1.616 0.148 0.000
6 8.960 0.388 0.000 -2.485 -0.134 0.000 -0.049 -0.072 0.042 1.499 0.061 0.106 1.062 0.034 0.361 -1.499 -0.057 0.132 1.608 0.070 0.058 2.197 0.092 0.010 -2.964 -0.133 0.001 1.288 0.052 0.178 -0.973 -0.036 0.339 0.683 0.052 0.174 1.452 0.133 0.001 0.197 0.031 0.430 0.317 0.030 0.427 0.051 0.054 0.174 0.072 0.063 0.151
7 7.002 0.303 0.000 -2.428 -0.131 0.000 -0.046 -0.067 0.051 0.972 0.040 0.286 1.557 0.050 0.169 -0.868 -0.033 0.371 1.169 0.051 0.161 2.055 0.086 0.013 -2.576 -0.116 0.002 1.140 0.046 0.218 -0.910 -0.034 0.357 0.603 0.046 0.217 1.099 0.101 0.008 0.181 0.029 0.455 0.204 0.020 0.599 -0.097 -0.102 0.025 0.036 0.032 0.468 3.090 0.174 0.000 -0.083
8 5.752 0.249 0.000 -2.300 -0.124 0.000 -0.041 -0.060 0.085 0.689 0.028 0.459 1.681 0.054 0.139 -0.719 -0.027 0.474 1.178 0.051 0.157 2.127 0.089 0.010 -2.359 -0.106 0.006 0.958 0.038 0.301 -0.776 -0.029 0.433 0.708 0.054 0.147 1.024 0.094 0.014 0.186 0.030 0.443 0.078 0.007 0.845 -0.095 -0.100 0.031 0.055 0.048 0.280 3.219 0.181 0.000 -0.077
(total scale)
Mother's flexibility
Mother's applied for helping services
Child' use Educational Services
Child's use of recreational Services Availability of formal Educational settings Availability of recreational services
Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig.
Adjusted R Square Change Statistics
R Square Change Sig. F Change
-0.133 0.002 -0.375 -0.089 0.019
0.126 0.130 0.000
0.135 0.014 0.025
72
0.146 0.014 0.004
0.149 0.005 0.142
0.175 0.028 0.000
0.180 0.010 0.085
0.231 0.053 0.000
-0.123 0.005 -0.343 -0.081 0.032 0.194 0.035 0.351 -1.088 -0.089 0.025 0.594 0.083 0.041 0.057 0.008 0.869 -0.369 -0.055 0.234 0.236 0.010 0.107
Table H.3: Predictors of Child's Aggressive Symptoms: Hierarchical Linear Regression Models Model Ethnicity (Arab)
Child's gender (Female)
Child's age
Family Income (0-4,500 NIS/ higher)
Housing density
Religiosity (Very religious)
Immigration (Immigrant) Mother gave birth in the past 12 months (yes) Child has been hospitalized in the past 12 months (yes) Mother smoked at least one cigarette a day Mother drank alcohol at least once a month Child's exposure to political violence
Child's trauma history
Mother's exposure to political violence
Mother's trauma history Mother's depression (CESD total score) Mother's rejection/acceptance of her child (rejection, total PARQ score) Mother Emotional Dysregulation Mother's perceived social support
B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B
1 1.548 0.169 0.000 -0.975 -0.133 0.000 -0.010 -0.036 0.331
73
2 1.186 0.129 0.001 -0.929 -0.126 0.001 -0.011 -0.041 0.271 0.772 0.079 0.050 -0.433 -0.035 0.370 -0.664 -0.063 0.105 -0.199 -0.022 0.571
3 1.479 0.161 0.000 -0.960 -0.131 0.000 -0.010 -0.038 0.302 0.824 0.084 0.036 -0.374 -0.030 0.443 -0.699 -0.066 0.088 -0.196 -0.021 0.576 0.486 0.051 0.175 -0.735 -0.083 0.040
4 1.600 0.175 0.000 -0.955 -0.130 0.001 -0.011 -0.040 0.289 0.803 0.082 0.041 -0.371 -0.030 0.447 -0.583 -0.055 0.164 -0.201 -0.022 0.568 0.513 0.054 0.153 -0.724 -0.082 0.043 0.441 0.044 0.273 0.149 0.014 0.731
5 1.904 0.208 0.000 -0.898 -0.122 0.001 -0.013 -0.050 0.184 0.790 0.081 0.044 -0.326 -0.026 0.502 -0.467 -0.044 0.265 -0.092 -0.010 0.794 0.631 0.066 0.080 -0.804 -0.091 0.025 0.369 0.037 0.359 0.138 0.013 0.750 0.195 0.037 0.338 0.439 0.102 0.011
6 1.793 0.196 0.000 -0.912 -0.124 0.001 -0.016 -0.060 0.111 0.713 0.073 0.070 -0.282 -0.023 0.568 -0.365 -0.035 0.388 -0.143 -0.016 0.690 0.663 0.070 0.066 -0.954 -0.108 0.009 0.248 0.025 0.541 0.165 0.015 0.702 0.129 0.025 0.545 0.410 0.095 0.021 0.086 0.035 0.417 -0.049 -0.012 0.773 0.029 0.077 0.072 0.012 0.027 0.573
7 1.442 0.157 0.003 -0.911 -0.124 0.001 -0.016 -0.058 0.123 0.613 0.063 0.124 -0.179 -0.014 0.717 -0.250 -0.024 0.555 -0.219 -0.024 0.547 0.638 0.067 0.077 -0.898 -0.101 0.014 0.224 0.023 0.579 0.188 0.018 0.663 0.119 0.023 0.577 0.340 0.079 0.058 0.085 0.034 0.421 -0.075 -0.018 0.660 0.001 0.003 0.959 0.004 0.009 0.854 0.692 0.098 0.068 -0.013
8 1.171 0.128 0.035 -0.899 -0.122 0.001 -0.017 -0.063 0.103 0.614 0.063 0.133 -0.154 -0.012 0.758 -0.171 -0.016 0.698 -0.205 -0.022 0.573 0.633 0.067 0.081 -0.881 -0.099 0.018 0.186 0.019 0.647 0.204 0.019 0.638 0.134 0.026 0.532 0.328 0.076 0.071 0.076 0.031 0.474 -0.124 -0.030 0.477 0.001 0.003 0.947 0.005 0.012 0.809 0.749 0.106 0.050 -0.011
(total scale)
Mother's flexibility
Mother's applied for helping services
Child' use Educational Services
Child's use of recreational Services Availability of formal Educational settings Availability of recreational services
Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig.
Adjusted R Square Change Statistics
R Square Change Sig. F Change
-0.053 0.268 -0.045 -0.027 0.520
0.042 0.047 0.000
0.046 0.009 0.148
74
0.052 0.009 0.045
0.052 0.002 0.431
0.061 0.012 0.011
0.064 0.008 0.233
0.071 0.011 0.042
-0.046 0.341 -0.030 -0.018 0.664 0.067 0.030 0.465 -0.008 -0.002 0.971 0.131 0.046 0.306 -0.044 -0.014 0.775 -0.160 -0.061 0.238 0.068 0.004 0.686
Table H.4: Predictors of Child's Attention Problems: Hierarchical Linear Regression Models Model Ethnicity (Arab)
Child's gender (Female)
Child's age
Family Income (0-4,500 NIS/ higher)
Housing density
Religiosity (Very religious)
Immigration (Immigrant) Mother gave birth in the past 12 months (yes) Child has been hospitalized in the past 12 months (yes) Mother smoked at least one cigarette a day Mother drank alcohol at least once a month Child's exposure to political violence
Child's trauma history
Mother's exposure to political violence
Mother's trauma history Mother's depression (CESD total score) Mother's rejection/acceptance of her child (rejection, total PARQ score) Mother Emotional Disregulation Mother's perceived social support
B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B
1 3.978 0.427 0.000 -1.185 -0.159 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.970
75
2 3.876 0.416 0.000 -1.195 -0.160 0.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.691 0.070 0.058 0.333 0.026 0.457 -0.455 -0.043 0.230 0.520 0.056 0.110
3 4.432 0.476 0.000 -1.250 -0.167 0.000 0.000 -0.001 0.987 0.771 0.078 0.032 0.351 0.028 0.431 -0.534 -0.050 0.155 0.505 0.054 0.116 0.473 0.049 0.149 -1.428 -0.159 0.000
4 4.554 0.489 0.000 -1.242 -0.166 0.000 0.000 -0.001 0.972 0.748 0.075 0.038 0.360 0.029 0.421 -0.415 -0.039 0.280 0.508 0.054 0.117 0.502 0.052 0.127 -1.416 -0.157 0.000 0.498 0.049 0.176 0.068 0.006 0.865
5 4.783 0.514 0.000 -1.202 -0.161 0.000 -0.002 -0.007 0.837 0.743 0.075 0.039 0.396 0.032 0.374 -0.339 -0.032 0.378 0.595 0.064 0.067 0.579 0.060 0.079 -1.477 -0.164 0.000 0.422 0.042 0.253 0.042 0.004 0.916 0.029 0.006 0.876 0.393 0.089 0.014
6 4.967 0.533 0.000 -1.219 -0.163 0.000 0.000 0.001 0.980 0.753 0.076 0.037 0.247 0.020 0.585 -0.329 -0.031 0.394 0.779 0.083 0.018 0.543 0.056 0.099 -1.249 -0.139 0.000 0.543 0.054 0.143 -0.036 -0.003 0.927 -0.043 -0.008 0.824 0.438 0.100 0.007 0.119 0.047 0.218 0.053 0.013 0.730 -0.023 -0.059 0.123 -0.032 -0.069 0.103
7 4.397 0.472 0.000 -1.183 -0.158 0.000 0.001 0.005 0.892 0.562 0.057 0.119 0.336 0.027 0.453 -0.150 -0.014 0.697 0.600 0.064 0.069 0.548 0.057 0.094 -1.133 -0.126 0.001 0.515 0.051 0.159 -0.036 -0.003 0.928 -0.090 -0.017 0.641 0.343 0.078 0.036 0.114 0.045 0.232 0.024 0.006 0.876 -0.059 -0.155 0.001 -0.041 -0.089 0.039 0.508 0.071 0.139 -0.034
8 3.731 0.401 0.000 -1.147 -0.154 0.000 0.000 0.002 0.962 0.613 0.062 0.095 0.341 0.027 0.446 0.147 0.014 0.710 0.615 0.066 0.060 0.606 0.063 0.063 -0.958 -0.106 0.004 0.425 0.042 0.245 0.096 0.009 0.805 -0.047 -0.009 0.806 0.296 0.067 0.070 0.101 0.040 0.288 -0.042 -0.010 0.790 -0.052 -0.135 0.003 -0.030 -0.065 0.135 0.613 0.085 0.073 -0.033
(total scale)
Mother's flexibility
Mother's applied for helping services
Child' use Educational Services
Child's use of recreational Services Availability of formal Educational settings Availability of recreational services
Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig.
Adjusted R Square Change Statistics
R Square Change Sig. F Change
-0.136 0.001 -0.075 -0.044 0.235
0.202 0.206 0.000
0.207 0.009 0.104
76
0.228 0.024 0.000
0.229 0.002 0.337
0.234 0.007 0.035
0.242 0.012 0.028
0.261 0.022 0.000
-0.132 0.002 -0.055 -0.032 0.384 0.001 0.000 0.989 -0.248 -0.050 0.193 0.423 0.147 0.000 0.081 0.026 0.556 -0.273 -0.102 0.025 0.273 0.017 0.008
Table H.5: Predictors of Child's Emotional and Behavioral Problems (total score on the CBCL): Hierarchical Linear Regression Models Model Ethnicity (Arab)
Child's gender (Female)
Child's age
Family Income (0-4,500 NIS/ higher)
Housing density
Religiosity (Very religious)
Immigration (Immigrant) Mother gave birth in the past 12 months (yes) Child has been hospitalized in the past 12 months (yes) Mother smoked at least one cigarette a day Mother drank alcohol at least once a month Child's exposure to political violence
Child's trauma history
Mother's exposure to political violence
Mother's trauma history Mother's depression (CESD total score) Mother's rejection/acceptance of her child (rejection, total PARQ score) Mother Emotional Dysregulation
B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig.
1 7.245 0.300 0.000 -2.429 -0.125 0.001 -0.018 -0.026 0.475
2 7.239 0.300 0.000 -2.447 -0.126 0.000 -0.020 -0.029 0.422 0.946 0.037 0.345 -0.287 -0.009 0.815 -2.301 -0.083 0.028 2.055 0.085 0.022
77
3 7.270 0.301 0.000 -2.461 -0.127 0.000 -0.016 -0.023 0.532 1.007 0.039 0.315 0.012 0.000 0.992 -2.270 -0.082 0.030 2.123 0.088 0.018 1.466 0.059 0.109 0.028 0.001 0.976
4 7.301 0.302 0.000 -2.426 -0.125 0.001 -0.014 -0.020 0.590 0.962 0.037 0.338 0.094 0.003 0.940 -2.205 -0.080 0.039 2.244 0.093 0.013 1.484 0.059 0.105 0.047 0.002 0.959 0.865 0.033 0.400 -1.074 -0.038 0.332
5 8.942 0.370 0.000 -2.117 -0.109 0.002 -0.029 -0.040 0.258 0.890 0.035 0.361 0.337 0.010 0.781 -1.582 -0.057 0.130 2.834 0.117 0.001 2.116 0.084 0.018 -0.387 -0.017 0.664 0.472 0.018 0.638 -1.138 -0.040 0.291 1.030 0.075 0.043 2.387 0.209 0.000
6 7.333 0.304 0.000 -2.205 -0.114 0.001 -0.048 -0.067 0.055 0.611 0.024 0.523 0.568 0.017 0.636 -1.173 -0.042 0.254 2.201 0.091 0.012 2.375 0.095 0.007 -1.495 -0.064 0.092 -0.281 -0.011 0.776 -0.906 -0.032 0.389 0.935 0.068 0.071 2.061 0.181 0.000 0.115 0.018 0.655 0.243 0.022 0.557 0.126 0.126 0.001 0.193 0.161 0.000
7 5.468 0.226 0.000 -2.209 -0.114 0.001 -0.045 -0.063 0.064 0.114 0.004 0.904 1.149 0.035 0.326 -0.560 -0.020 0.577 1.837 0.076 0.033 2.203 0.088 0.010 -1.185 -0.051 0.171 -0.422 -0.016 0.659 -0.779 -0.028 0.446 0.897 0.065 0.076 1.692 0.148 0.000 0.109 0.017 0.663 0.107 0.010 0.790 -0.027 -0.027 0.543 0.150 0.125 0.004 3.891 0.209 0.000
8 4.127 0.171 0.002 -2.000 -0.103 0.002 -0.038 -0.053 0.122 -0.457 -0.018 0.633 1.328 0.041 0.256 -0.604 -0.022 0.559 1.845 0.076 0.031 2.252 0.090 0.008 -1.056 -0.045 0.226 -0.677 -0.026 0.477 -0.714 -0.025 0.483 1.043 0.076 0.038 1.589 0.139 0.000 0.123 0.019 0.622 -0.094 -0.009 0.818 -0.036 -0.036 0.431 0.168 0.140 0.001 4.034 0.217 0.000
Mother's perceived social support (total scale) Mother's flexibility
Mother's applied for helping services
Child' use Educational Services
Child's use of recreational Services Availability of formal Educational settings Availability of recreational services
B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig. B Beta Sig.
Adjusted R Square Change Statistics
R Square Change Sig. F Change
-0.063 -0.096 0.025 -0.284 -0.064 0.086
0.101 0.105 0.000
0.110 0.014 0.030
78
0.111 0.003 0.276
0.110 0.002 0.526
0.160 0.052 0.000
0.203 0.047 0.000
0.250 0.049 0.000
-0.054 -0.082 0.058 -0.240 -0.054 0.145 0.477 0.081 0.027 -1.520 -0.119 0.002 0.616 0.082 0.040 0.014 0.002 0.968 -0.400 -0.057 0.210 0.263 0.018 0.005