Relations entre la dépression, l'anxiété, les troubles du comportement et l'exposition à la violence, chez des enfants et adolescents de la bande de Gaza

The overall aim of this study is to assess the impact of political violence on behavioral problems, anxiety, and depression among 130 Palestinian children and adolescents (age= 9 to 16) living in Gaza Strip. The adolescents were assessed by Beck Depression and Reynold's Anxiety Scale, and the children by Rutter's Behavioral Problems Scale. Around 20% of the adolescents suffer from anxiety and/or depression and nearly 90% of children present various kinds of behavioral problems and neurotic symptoms. The adolescents more exposed to traumatic events are the most anxious and depressed. The educational level of mother (for children) and the financial incomes of the family (for both children and adolescents) are positive factors. On the other hand, gender and exposure duration to traumatizing events show no significant links with anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.