Appraisal of psychosocial interventions in Liberia

This article presents the methodology and results ofa study on the effectiveness of two psychosocial interventions targeting female victims of war-related and sexual violence in Liberia. One intervention provided counselling, the other offered support groups and skill training Qualitative research suggests that the participants of both interventions were positive with regard to the help provided. Quantitative analyses revealed that counselling was effective in reducing trauma symptoms as compared to the support and skill training and to a waiting list control group.

Psychosocial interventions for children in war-affected areas: the state of the art

In this article the literature on psychosocial assistance to children in war-affected areas is reviewed. Two main types of interventions are identified: the curative approach and the developmental approach. The effectiveness of each of these approaches is discussed.

Keywords: protective factors, psychosocial wellbeing, social context, curative approach, developmental approach

Recovered Memories

Abstract: The issues surrounding repressed, recovered, or false memories have sparked one of the greatest controversies in the mental health profession in the twentieth century. We review evidence concerning the existence of the repression and recovery of autobiographical memories of traumatic events and research on the development of false autobiographical memories, how specific therapeutic procedures can lead to false memories, and individual vulnerability to resisting false memories.

Emotional or educational debriefing after psychological trauma: Randomised controlled trial

Background Recent studies show that individual single-session psychological debriefing does not prevent and can even aggravate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Aims We studied the effect of emotional ventilation debriefing and educational debriefing v. no debriefing on symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression.

The Nonviolent Peaceforce in Sri Lanka: methods and impact (September 2003-January 2006)

Since 2003 the Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) in Sri Lanka has aimed to increase the safety of civilians in Sri Lanka so that they can contribute to a lasting peace that includes a sense ofjustice.The NP has effectively assisted people to move to safer places, and supported people in interactions with authorities. The NP has also contributed to defusing ongoing violence and preventing further violence within specific situations.

The reintegration of teenage girls and young women

Women combatants are not a homogeneous group. The current approach of many Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) programmes is inappropriate for girls between 14 and 25years of age. In order to provide reintegration assistance that has a significant long-term impact, it is essential first to understand why girls the join armed forces. Before DDR programme plans are finalized and programmes started, time and resources need to be investedfirstly to locate the girls and then begin the process of understanding their potentials, vulnerabilities, dreams and ambitions.

Mental health in Africa: time for action. Report of the annual conference of the Association of African Psychiatrists & Allied Health Professions, April 24-25 2006, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The number of psychiatrists in manyAfrican countries is strikingly low. Therefore, these few professionals are often overburdened and have an isolated and marginalized position. So, it was commendable to see the establishment of the Association of African Psychiatrists & Allied Health Professions (AAPAP) by a group of active African psychiatrists. This organization aims to unite psychiatrists working within the African continent, and to improve the African mental health care system.

Internet resources on child soldiers & psychosocial issues

The Internet is an enormously rich source of information, but its very richness is also its main weakness. How can you find what you need? How do know if what you find is from a reliable source and can be trusted? In the contribution below we will summarize some Internet resources on psychosocial aspects of child soldiers that have been proved to be reliable and valuable.

The Nonviolent Peaceforce in Sri Lanka: methods and impact (September 2003-January 2006)

Since 2003 the Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) in Sri Lanka has aimed to increase the safety of civilians in Sri Lanka so that they can contribute to a lasting peace that includes a sense of justice.The NP has effectively assisted people to move to safer places, and supported people in interactions with authorities. The NP has also contributed to defusing ongoing violence and preventing further violence within specific situations.

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