PSYCHOLOGY AND TORTURE

Psychology and torture

Outline

This study is conducted to unveil the Effects of abduction and torture on children soldiers of the Lord's Resistance Army. The study is divided in the following sections:

Introduction

This is the first part of the paper, which highlights the consequences of armed conflicts suffered by children world wide. It provides with the definition of the term 'child soldier' as explained by UN. It highlights the need for resolving the issue of child abduction.

Literature review

This is the second part of the paper, which explains the literature regarding the background of the conflict between the LRA and government in Uganda. It further highlights the experiences of the abducted children and explains how LRA had agonized them. It then explains the consequences of these experiences upon the children's physical and psychological wellbeing. It then explains the efforts made by Ugandan government and international bodies for Rehabilitation of former child soldiers, and the problems experienced by them.

Validity and reliability

This section provides with validity and reliability measures necessary for a study.

Discussion

This section provides with an analysis of the findings made via literature search.

Conclusion

This is the final section of the paper, which concludes the study. It summarizes the findings, and provides with implications for future research.

Abstract

The impact of war on children is devastating. Child abuse and armed conflicts are experienced by the world from centuries, and are likely to continue in the coming decades, as well. The most intense example of Child abuse and armed conflicts is the conflict between the government of Uganda, and a nongovernmental armed group called lord's resistance army. This group, which was initially viewed as making efforts for a just cause started violation of human rights. This conflict which lasted for 24 years displaced many people especially children. Two million children were reported to be killed, and a further 6 million were badly injured in armed conflicts, which prevailed from 1986 to 1996. Numerous children were exposed to psychological harm, food deprivation, and spread of diseases, torture, and separation from family, disability, loss of education, abuse, displacement, abduction, and slavery. The children were abducted to join the rebels group as warriors where they were trained tom commit violence. The children had to experience severe consequences if they devised to obey the commands given, or made efforts to escape. The consequences of the physical and psychological abuse experienced by children who have served as child soldiers have been intense and damaging not only for themselves but also for families and society. Studies have also shown that after the end of conflict, torturing child soldiers had to experience severe problems in rehabilitation, as they were rejected by the families. Moreover, development needs of children could not be met which could further hamper the economy of a country.

Psychology and torture: Effects of abduction and torture on children soldiers of the Lord's Resistance Army

Introduction

Child abuse and armed conflicts have been prevailing in the world for centuries, and is likely to continue in the coming decades, as ...