Citation

Al-Krenawi A, Slonim-Nevo V, Maymon Y, Al-Krenawi S. Child Abuse Negl. 2001; 25(4): 457-472.

Affiliation

Department of Social Work, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11370720

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the well being of Arab adolescents who live under the threat of ongoing blood vengeance, and to assess the impact of socio-demographic characteristics, cultural context, and family functioning as a mediators factors. METHOD: The sample consisted of 100 adolescents in grades 6-8. Self-reported standardized measures were used to assess the participants' level of self-esteem (Rosenberg's scale), mental health (the Brief Symptom Inventory BSI), and perceived family functioning (the McMaster Family Assessment Device FAD). RESULTS: The participants of this study demonstrated higher levels of distress and symptomatic behavior as compared to the Israeli norms. In a series of multiple regression, General Family Functioning emerged as the major predictor associated with mental health. Female participants reported a higher anxiety level than their male counterparts. Male participants, on the other hand, were more willing to continue the feud of blood vengeance. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that there are similarities among children and adolescents who live in war zones and those who live under a threatening blood vengeance. Family functioning appears as the major mediator of well being. Implications for practice are discussed.

Language: en