Psychological and emotional difficulties confronting school students in the post-war context of Eastern Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study investigated the school students’ psychological and emotional difficulties in the postconflict scenario in Kiran Sri Lanka. The study focussed the eastern province in Kiran area schools. Purpose of the study to examine the prevalence of Kiran school student’s psychological and emotional difficulties. The rate of psychological and emotional difficulties in 11-14 years old school children were examined using the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), children’s Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HRS). The school student’s data collected from three schools in Kiran. The sample population of schools selected by stratified random sampling method were linked to the school students between the ages 11-14 years old in grade 6 to 9, the school students selected with gender concern in each grade 15 female and 15 male students. The total of 120 school students was evaluated and identified both genders of school students were identified as issues in the psychological and emotional difficulties (20%). Hence female school student’s anxiety level was higher than male gender. The emotional difficulties of depression were both in school students. However, the high level of the psychological and emotional difficulties identified from the school children in psychological problems (SDQ), anxiety and depression as well female students strongly impact by anxiety rather than male students, these are likely impact negatively on their education and behaviours. The school students felt some unsafe environment in schools, past bitter experience still sticks with their mind. The Kiran school student’s lost their father or mother or both in past years war. Particularly the school has to use inadequate resources. It was an influence on the school children’s psychological-emotional difficulties. Further, every public school require special counsellors.