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Int J Adv Counselling (2013) 35:273285 DOI 10.1007/s10447-013-9182-z
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Fuaad Mohammed Freh & Rudi Dallos & Man Cheung Chung
Published online: 17 March 2013# Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013
Abstract Research on the effects of experiencing a bomb attack has yielded considerable literature on related mental health matters. However, there is a paucity of studies looking at the psychological consequences and mental health effects following bombing attacks specifically in relation to civilians in Iraq. This qualitative study involving 11 adults (M=6, F=5) aimed to investigate how people who had experienced a potentially trauma inducing event of being in a bomb attack made sense of the experience and attempted to cope with it. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcripts analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA; Smith and Osborn 2003). Four overarching themes emerged: 1) mental and physical health problems, 2) interpersonal relationship issues, 3) changes in attachment, and 4) attempts to cope. Participants revealed that exposure to a bomb attack had a major effect on their psychological well-being and also fragmented their personal relationships. Nevertheless, a variety of coping strategies were identified. The study adds to an understanding of how psychological difficulties continue and affect recovery.
Keywords Bombing attacks . Coping strategies . Interpretative phenomenological analysis . Iraq
Introduction
The people of Iraq have lived under political pressure, prolonged sectarian conflict and occupation for the last few decades. Over this period there have been episodes of wars that have occurred quite regularly. As a direct result, a myriad of traumatic events have occurred, such as, abduction, imprisonment and torture, looting, being held hostage, diseases, hardships and murders. Armed conflict is also increasing in many parts of Iraq, and as a result many civilians have been killed.
In order to understand clearly the reality of violence, conflict, and peoples experience of being in terrorist bombing attacks, it is necessary to understand the contextual history and current state of this society, its tribulations and the hardships of its people. Iraqi society is
F. M. Freh (*) : R. Dallos
University of Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, UK e-mail: [email protected]
M. C. Chung
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Impact of Bombing Attacks on Civilians in Iraq
274 Int J Adv Counselling (2013) 35:273285
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