This paper examines the stress experienced by Palestinian internally displaced refugee youth, aged 4 to 17, residing in the occupied Gaza Strip and West Bank. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been confined to camps since the establishment of Israel, which forced entire communities from their ancestral lands. Over six decades, these camps have witnessed population growth under conditions of scarce resources and limited land. Camp residents suffer from a severe lack of essential services, including clean water, adequate shelter, safe recreational spaces, and educational facilities (UNRWA, n.d.-a).

Palestinian refugee children in IDP camps are particularly vulnerable to trauma, abuse, and social isolation. These children often experience traumatic events like targeted violence, physical and sexual assault, and neglect, which can lead to severe mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and difficulty forming friendships, academic struggles, and emotional disorders. The social stigma these children face within their communities further exacerbates their suffering. Caregivers and service providers, many of whom have also experienced trauma, often find it challenging to provide adequate psychological and emotional support.

Palestinian children and adolescents in Gaza and the West Bank are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, such as PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. PTSD, in particular, is closely linked to feelings of sadness and hopelessness. The ongoing political conflict and threats within refugee camps increase the risk of physical, emotional, and cognitive developmental problems. Research shows that refugee children are disproportionately affected by severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Sack et al. (1996) suggest that while earlier refugee experiences can lead to PTSD, feelings of sadness are more strongly linked to stressful events occurring after migration, especially in refugee camps. As all Palestinian children born in the camps are considered post-migration, they are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress due to inadequate services, unemployment, and lack of hope, discrimination, and loneliness. Given their prolonged exposure to violence and instability, Palestinian children are at significant risk of developing PTSD, anxiety, depression, sadness, and other emotional disorders.

Research shows that trauma has a significant impact on Palestinian children in IDP camps. Thabit and Vostanis (2017) found that refugee parents experienced an average of 8.42 traumatic events, with 60% showing signs of PTSD and 26.5% suffering from anxiety. Children experienced an average of 7.88 traumatic events, with 70.1% exhibiting PTSD, 33.9% experiencing anxiety, and 42.7% presenting general psychological issues as reported by their parents.

This study seeks to examine the experiences of Palestinian refugee children living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Palestine, with a particular focus on their emotional and psychological challenges, including stress, sadness, and hope for the future. Despite the ongoing traumatic conditions they endure, little attention has been given to how these children perceive their experiences and how such perceptions shape their emotional well-being and outlook on life.

The Study Addresses Three Key Research Questions:

• What are the experiences of Palestinian refugee children living in IDP camps under occupation, including the feelings and thoughts accompanying their daily life events (both traumatic and non-traumatic)?

This question aims to explore the psychological and emotional landscape of Palestinian refugee children, focusing on their responses to daily stressors and challenges. It delves into their emotional reactions to traumatic events, such as exposure to violence, as well as to routine, non-traumatic events. By examining these experiences, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of their well-being and how they process the circumstances of their daily lives.

• How does the third generation of Palestinian youth born in displaced camps create and sustain hope for the future? To what extent do traumatic experiences faced by Palestinian refugees affect their perception of hope and the possibility of a positive future?

This question explores the intergenerational impact of trauma on Palestinian youth born in the camps. It seeks to understand how these children, as the third generation living in displacement, can cultivate and maintain hope amidst adversity. Furthermore, it examines whether exposure to trauma and ongoing conflict diminishes their ability to envision a positive and hopeful future.

• What factors contribute to the perception of sadness among Palestinian youth residing in IDP camps in the West Bank?

This question focuses on identifying the specific causes of sadness among Palestinian youth in IDP camps. Factors may include prolonged exposure to violence, uncertain futures, limited access to education and employment, and the broader socio-political environment. By understanding these contributors, the study aims to highlight key areas where interventions are needed to support the emotional and psychological well-being of these youth.

The findings from this study are expected to offer valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by Palestinian refugee children in IDP camps. These insights could guide the development of targeted interventions to foster emotional resilience, enhance well-being, and nurture hope for a brighter future among this vulnerable population.

Study Participants

Sample Size and Demographics: The study included a total of 500 Palestinian youth aged between 4 and 17 years old. These participants were drawn from both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Regional Distribution

• West Bank: 300 participants
• Gaza Strip: 200 participants

Gender Distribution

• Female: 2,000 participants
• Male: 1,000 participants

Age Distribution

• Male Mean Age: 12 years (SD = 0.75)
• Female Mean Age: 11 years (SD = 0.75)

Participant Eligibility: To Be Included In The Study, Participants Were Required To

• Reside in UNRWA-managed refugee camps in Palestine.
• Be fluent in Arabic, both written and spoken.

This demographic information provides a solid foundation for understanding the specific context and experiences of the study's participants, particularly their exposure to ongoing conflict and displacement.

Research Methods and Ethical Considerations

Data Collection: Semi-Structured Interviews

The study employed semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. These interviews were conducted in Arabic by native speakers to ensure cultural sensitivity and accurate communication.

Participant Selection: Targeted Population: Palestinian children residing in five different IDP camps.

Recruitment Process

Initial Briefing:

• The research team briefed the activities committees in the camps about the study's objectives and purpose.
• Participant Selection: Potential participants were selected based on specific age and literacy criteria.
• Informed Consent: Participants were informed about the study and their right to withdraw at any time.

Interview Focus

Emotional Experiences: The interviews delved into the children's emotional experiences, specifically focusing on feelings of happiness, sadness, and hope.

Contextual Factors: The interviews explored how these emotions were influenced by the context of living in Palestinian IDP camps.

Ethical Considerations

IRB Approval: The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Mansoura University.

Informed Consent: Participants were provided with detailed information about the study and their rights.

Confidentiality: Participant confidentiality was strictly maintained throughout the research process.

Emotional Support: A licensed mental health professional was present during the interviews to provide support if needed.

Referral Services: Participants were informed about available mental health services.

By adhering to these ethical principles, the researchers ensured the well-being of the participants and the integrity of the research.

Data Analysis Methodology

The researchers employed a thematic content analysis (TCA) approach to analyze the transcribed interview data. This method involved a systematic process of identifying, analyzing, and interpreting patterns within the text.

Key Steps In the Analysis

Open Coding:

• Researchers carefully examined the transcripts, identifying initial codes or themes related to happiness, sadness, and hope.
• These codes were derived directly from the participants' responses, ensuring a data-driven approach.

Organizing Themes:

• The identified codes were then organized into broader categories and sub-codes, forming a hierarchical structure.
• This step involved grouping similar codes and identifying relationships between them.

Inter-Rater Reliability:

• A panel of five judges reviewed the categories and sub-codes to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• This process helped to minimize bias and improve the reliability of the findings.

Software Analysis:

• MAXQDA 18 software was utilized to facilitate the coding and management of the qualitative data.
• This software tool aided in organizing, searching, and analyzing the large volume of textual data.

By following these steps, the researchers were able to delve deep into the emotional experiences of Palestinian children living in refugee camps, uncovering valuable insights into their hopes, fears, and aspirations.

Factors Contributing to Sadness among Palestinian Refugee Children

The study identified several key factors that contribute to the sadness experienced by Palestinian refugee children living in IDP camps:

Loss and Trauma

• Grief and Loss: Many children expressed sadness due to the loss of loved ones, such as family members who were arrested, displaced, or killed.
• Traumatic Experiences: Exposure to violence, conflict, and displacement can have a profound impact on children's mental health, leading to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and fear.

Lack of Space and Shelter

• Overcrowding: Living in overcrowded conditions can lead to feelings of claustrophobia and stress.
• Substandard Living Conditions: Poor housing conditions, lack of privacy, and inadequate sanitation can contribute to emotional distress.

Impact of Occupation

• Restrictions on Freedom: The ongoing occupation limits the freedom and movement of Palestinian children, leading to feelings of frustration and hopelessness.
• Violence and Insecurity: Exposure to violence, military raids, and settler attacks can cause significant trauma and fear.

Inadequate Educational Facilities

Overcrowded Classrooms: Large class sizes and lack of resources can hinder learning and create a stressful environment.

Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate school facilities, such as lack of playgrounds and proper sanitation, can negatively impact children's well-being.

These factors collectively contribute to the emotional distress experienced by Palestinian refugee children. Addressing these issues through psychological support, improved living conditions, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict is crucial for their mental health and overall well-being.

Summary

The study highlights that Palestinian refugee children in camps experience sadness due to a combination of external factors, such as ongoing occupation and lack of resources, and personal traumatic experiences, such as loss and displacement. Their emotional distress is further exacerbated by poor living conditions and limited access to quality education, which restricts their opportunities for personal growth and happiness. These findings underline the need for targeted interventions to address both the psychological and environmental challenges these children face in refugee camps.

This study offers a unique and valuable contribution to the field of child psychology and trauma studies. By focusing on children who are still actively experiencing war and conflict, it provides a clearer picture of the immediate psychological impact of such experiences.

Key Contributions of the Study Include

Addressing a Research Gap: The study fills a significant gap in the literature by examining the psychological effects of war on children during active conflict, rather than solely focusing on post-war periods.

Unique Perspective: By studying children who are still directly exposed to trauma, the research offers a distinct perspective on the immediate and long-term consequences of war-related stress.

Identifying Key Factors: The study helps to identify the specific factors that contribute to the psychological distress of children in conflict zones, such as exposure to violence, loss, and uncertainty.

Informing Intervention Strategies: The findings of the study can inform the development of targeted interventions and support services for children in conflict-affected areas. By understanding the specific needs of these children, it is possible to design effective programs to promote their mental health and well-being.

Overall, this study provides crucial insights into the psychological experiences of children in war-torn regions. It underscores the importance of addressing the immediate needs of these children and developing long-term support systems to help them recover from the trauma of war.

The study underscores the significant impact of prolonged conflict and displacement on the mental health of Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank. Exposure to persistent violence and trauma increases their vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders.

Key Findings

• Complex Relationship between Trauma and PTSD: While trauma is a significant risk factor, it is not a sole determinant of PTSD. Individual resilience, coping mechanisms, social support, and genetic factors also play a crucial role.
• Co-Occurrence of PTSD and Depression: PTSD and depression often coexist in these children, potentially exacerbating their emotional and behavioral challenges.
• Implications for Future Research:
• Understanding the Interplay between PTSD and Depression: Future research should delve deeper into the complex relationship between PTSD and depression in this population.
• Identifying Protective Factors: Exploring factors that promote resilience and mitigate the impact of trauma is essential.
• Developing Effective Interventions: The findings can inform the development of culturally sensitive and evidence-based interventions to address the specific needs of Palestinian children.

By addressing the psychological needs of these children, we can help them overcome the trauma of war and build a brighter future.

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