The impact of structured activities among Palestinian children in a time of conflict

Abstract

Background: There is growing evidence of the impact on children's well‐being of exposure to political conflict in such settings as the Palestinian territories. This study examined the impact of child‐focused interventions involving structured activities, supported by provision of equipment and training of facilitators. The focus of interventions was participation in recreational, cultural and other non‐formal activities supporting the development of resilience. Impacts were hypothesised on children's social and emotional well‐being, relationships with parents and degree of future orientation. Methods: Two hundred and fifty children from the West Bank and 150 children from Gaza took part in the study. Of these 400 children, 300 comprised the intervention group. Fifty children from Gaza and 50 children from the West Bank comprised the comparison group. There were equal numbers of girls and boys in all groups, with …