Psychology's contribution to understanding conflict in Northern Ireland.

This article reviews the work of psychologists in Northern Ireland as applied to various aspects of the ongoing political conflict. Three major research strands are identified: (a) attempts to understand the impact of the political conflict on the mental health of children and adults, and the way they have learned to cope with the associated stress; (b) studies directed at understanding the dynamics of the conflict especially through Social Identity Theory; and (c) the exploration of methods of reconciliation in particular approaches via education. Finally the article highlights some methodological issues that have been raised in the course of conducting research in a society in conflict.