Screaming Until Nightmares: The Emotional Distress Experienced by Gaza Children in 2022

Save the Children conducted a survey on emotional distress symptoms experienced by children and adolescents in Gaza, Palestine, in 2022.

The most prevalent emotional distress symptom among children in Gaza was shouting or becoming angry, reported by 73% of respondents.

Furthermore, 73% of child respondents experienced difficulty sleeping, followed by 70% who reported having nightmares.

The research team noted that nightmares and recalling past events indicate children's difficulty in processing and coping with traumatic events they have experienced or witnessed.

"These can distress children as early experiences, turning routines, such as sleep, into further sources of suffering," wrote the research team.

Finally, 48% of child respondents reported difficulty concentrating at school or during learning activities.

In addition to these symptoms, some child respondents were also reported to have experienced changes in behavior and habits, such as becoming aggressive, irritable, bedwetting, and difficulties communicating.

Save the Children also reported a significant increase in the incidence of traumatic events and acute stress responses (psychosomatic), both among child and adult respondents, from 49% in 2018 to 66% in 2022.

The quantitative research was conducted from March to April 2022. These quantitative findings were reinforced by qualitative research.

A total of 560 child well-being or psychosocial questionnaires were completed by children, adolescents, and caregivers in five areas: North Gaza, Gaza City, Central Gaza, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. Samples were randomly selected among children and their caregivers residing in urban, rural, refugee, and areas with limited access.

The quantitative survey involved 400 children aged 12-17 years, with a composition of 48% female and 52% male. The survey also targeted 160 parents and caregivers, consisting of 50% female and 50% male.

For the 2022 qualitative research, 12 interviews were conducted with eight children and four caregivers. There were also 10 focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 80 children aged 12-17, 40% of whom were female.

Interviews were conducted with ten key informants, including specialists in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), and relevant civil society and international organizations working in the field.

(See also: Many Gaza Children Lived in Depression and Fear in 2022)