A World Turned Upside Down, Social Ecological Approaches to Children in War Zones

The contributors have extensive experience working with children in war zones across the world. The descriptions and dialogue are capable of drawing psychologists, policy makers, anthropologists, and peacemakers together. When wars are fought in the midst of civilian activity, as they so often are in poorer countries, the effects on children are devastating. A World Turned Upside Down looks at the experiences of children in war from a psychological perspective, specifically from a social ecologist's view, offering thoughtful observations and dispelling myths about what results from growing up in conflict situations. In contrast to individualized approaches, the volume offers a deeper conceptualization that shows the impacts of war as socially mediated. In this view, it is expected that two children exposed to the same traumatic experience (e.g., attack) may have different reactions and needs for psychosocial support. Further, psychosocial assistance to war-affected children often occurs not through the provision of therapy by outsiders but via support from insiders. Each contributor has worked extensively with children in war zones in Europe, Africa, Latin America, and Asia. They step back from viewing these children as victims of trauma, soldiers, or refugees, and reveal a holistic understanding of their experiences within their families and communities. Knowing these social connections, they argue, helps pinpoint ways of fostering well-being and even reducing further violence.