Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands
Amone-P'Olak, K., Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Garnefski, N., Department of Psychology, Gulu University, PO Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Kraaij, V., Division of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Leiden, Leiden, Netherlands
Objective: In this article, war experiences and the impact of physical abuse on formerly abducted boys in Northern Uganda are assessed. Method: In a cross-sectional self-report design, Impact of Events Scale - Revised (IES-R), War Experiences Checklist questionnaires were administered to 216 formerly abducted boys between August and November 2004 and data from records at three rehabilitation centres were retrospectively assessed and analysed. Results: The boys were exposed to war events, participated in atrocities, were physically abused, and manifested many signs and symptoms of post traumatic stress. Consequently, many were psychologically distressed at the time of the study. Conclusions: The psychosocial intervention activities proposed include teaching better coping skills, entrepreneurial skills training, and provision of micro credit facilities.