Fundamentalism in the Mental Health System - Children Agency and Activism in the Shadow of PTSD Industry A Palestinian Case Study

The care systems in developing countries are subjected to worldwide standards and guidelines, in which the western voice dominates the local one. Palestinian children living under political and military violence are often labeled as affected by post-traumatic stress syndromes and other stress related psychiatric impairments. Yet, data emerging from the ground and clinical experience, show as these children despite the worsening environmental conditions they are living in, continue to show positive functioning in how they adjust to trauma. We carried out a qualitative research with children from the West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territories. Thematic content analysis of written materials produced by 74 school aged children has been implemented. Our work aimed to identify domains of wellbeing that contribute in helping children to cope with violence and insecurity. Personal, environmental, micro and macro-social factors emerged. The study’s limitations and its implications for clinical and community work with children living under political and military threat are discussed.