Mental condition of 105 children of both sexes (age 5-14 yrs), traumatized by war, was evaluated in this study. The aim of the study was to establish possible differences in mental condition among different groups (refugees, displaced children and local population), by means of a battery of scales and tests. Results showed significant differences among groups that are, in the authors' opinion, due to their present status and length of living under unfavorable conditions, as well as to their sociocultural background, previous structure and functioning. The authors find some of the established differences prognostically and therapeutically very important, especially those concerning different rating of behavioral symptoms by parents and by children, those concerning stress-coping strategies, and adjustment analysis showing extremely negative beliefs and expectations of children refugees. To establish factors responsible for the differences, the investigation should be continued on a larger sample with more parameters analyzed. © Medicinska naklada.

war trauma child Stress Mental problems

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