Abstract:
Recent advances in psychological research indicate that traumatic events can have effects
on the victims, perpetrators and those who witness such events. This is on the premise
that no one who experiences a disaster is untouched by it. In the 2007/2008 post-election
violence in Kenya, children were exposed to and witnessed various traumatic events.
Some may have developed behavioral and anxiety disorders. The study sought to assess
levels Posttraumatic Stress Disorder severity among the children. The study was guided
by Cognitive Behavioral Theory. The study target population was 77,768 children. A
sample size of 460 respondents was derived from 10 divisions in Nakuru county which
were hard hit by post-election violence. The sample comprised of 400 children who
included primary and secondary survivors of the violence and 20 deputy head teachers in
the schools sampled and 40 parents who took part in focused group discussions. Expost
facto comparative research design was utilized and multi-stage sampling approach was
used to derive the sample. Data for the study was obtained using questionnaires, interview
schedules and focused group discussions. A pilot study was conducted in Subukia division
involving 80 children, four deputy head teachers and two focused group discussions. The
hypotheses were tested at significance level of 0.05. The study found high PTSD levels
children survivors of post- election violence. This study recommended psychological
debriefing and trauma counseling as interventions needed for the survivors.
