Trajectories of Internalizing Problems in War‐Affected Sierra Leonean Youth: Examining Conflict and Postconflict Factors

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2012.01861.x
• Publication Date: 2012-09-25T01:45:38Z
• Authors: Theresa S. Betanc...; Ryan McBain; Elizabeth A. Newnham; Robert T. Brennan
• Keywords: Longitudinal Study; Stressor

Three waves of data from a prospective longitudinal study in Sierra Leone were used to examine internalizing trajectories 529 war‐affected youth (ages 10–17 at baseline; 25% female). Latent class growth analyses identified 4 trajectories: A large majority maintained lower levels problems (41.4%) or significantly improved over time (47.6%) despite very limited access care, but smaller proportions continued report severe difficulties 6 years postwar (4.5%) their symptoms worsened (6.4%). Continued associated with loss caregiver, family abuse and neglect, community stigma. Despite the comparative resilience most face extreme adversity, there remains compelling need for interventions that address family‐ community‐level stressors.