Violence and Traumatic Exposures among Islamic High School Students in Thailand’s Subnational Conflict

Since 2004, nearly 7,000 people have been killed in Thailand’s subnational conflict in its southernmost provinces – one of the longest running domestic insurgencies in Southeast Asia. This study assesses exposure to conflict-related trauma among a sample of high school students (n = 419) in Islamic private schools within the conflict-affected area. Responses to the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Check List 6-item version indicated that 18.6% of the students had symptomology consistent with probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A survey of traumatic events specific to the conflict area was constructed, identifying the types and frequency of exposure to conflict-related traumatic events among our sample. Correlation analysis showed significant associations between exposure to trauma, with PTSD.

Key implications for practice

• Students in Islamic private high schools commonly experience multiple forms of conflict-related trauma.

• Trauma associated with religious and ethnic identity may be particularly impactful, reflecting the ethnic nature of this political conflict.

• Additional training, resources, and research are needed to provide evidence-based, culturally and religiously appropriate interventions that promote resiliency among youth living in this conflict zone. symptomology, life satisfaction, happiness and perceptions of neighbourhood security. Results of this study suggest that many youth in the region experience continuous and multiple forms of trauma that are detrimental to emotional wellbeing, heightening the need to provide protective interventions.