Wood, Ryan (2020) Armed conflict and trauma experiences: the long-term impact on individuals, families and society. DClinPsych thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis is comprised of three chapters. Chapter I is a meta-synthesis of thirteen longitudinal studies which consider the long term psychological and social impact of conflict experiences in former child soldiers in Uganda and Sierra Leone. Three themes emerged from the findings, Impact on the Individual, Interaction with the post-conflict world and The world I returned to. Former child soldiers’ experiences during times of conflict predicted individual mental health difficulties, impacted on the way in which they socially connected to others, and largely influenced the way which society and family treated them when they returned to their communities after the conflict ended. Recommendations are made for more qualitative, culturally sensitive research to take place to give context to the experiences of conflict in Africa, as well as community led support networks to reduce stigma and increase acceptance within the post-conflict environment.

Chapter II is an empirical, qualitative study which explores the experiences of young carers of ex-armed forces parents. Six participants, who formerly cared for a veteran parent took part, sharing experiences of the early years and providing a unique perspective on how these experiences have impacted on them into adulthood. Four superordinate themes, and nine subordinate themes emerged from the findings. The War Within: anger was normal, moulded by the military, Understanding You: Understanding Me: misunderstanding, shift in understanding, shining a light on trauma, Coping Through Escapism: temporary escapism, permanent escapism, Looking Back and Forward: fighting for survival, the strong survive. Young carers spoke of a lack of understanding as to why their role existed in the early years, which shifted as the families began to consider the parents’ difficulties being due to their traumatic experiences. Young carers showed resilience, finding that their difficult experiences made them more able to cope with hardships as they transitioned into adulthood. Recommendations are for the impact of trauma to be recognised in those leaving the armed forces. There also needs to be more awareness of young people who may be affected by this through holding a caring role for a parent who has experienced trauma during their time in the military.

Chapter III is a reflective account of the experience of conducting this research and the other aspects of clinical training that have occurred alongside it. It considers the principle investigators experiences of being accepted into the military community through research and clinical work, conflict that has arisen in consideration of power and diagnostic labels, as well as the experience of conducting such a key project for the purpose of research and academia.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsych)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman U Military Science > U Military Science (General)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Child soldiers -- Case studies, Child soldiers -- Sierra Leone, Child soldiers -- Uganda, Soldiers -- Psychology, Sociology, Military, Psychology, Military, War neuroses, Children of veterans
Official Date:	June 2020
Dates:	Date Event June 2020 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Psychology
Thesis Type:	DClinPsych
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Liebling, Helen ; Knibbs, Jacqueline ; Barnard, Dan
Format of File:	pdf
Extent:	129 leaves : illustrations
Language:	eng

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