Abstract
A relatively extensive body of research exists into the concept of intergenerational transmission of trauma among survivors of holocaust and the Vietnam War. However, this information is lacking among the Acholi people in northern Uganda who have suffered over twenty five years of war. The present study set out to explore intergenerational transmission of war related knowledge from mother to child as a preliminary study to explore this in a post conflict Ugandan context. In particular, the role of mother’s own experiences in this context appears to be a primary source of this information. The study was conducted from January 2012-June 2012. Focus groups were conducted with 65 mothers in three selected villages in Gulu district. Thematic analysis indicated that mothers talk to their children, their children ask questions and that there are various other sources of information for children. Major patterns elicited related to the impact of war, however, a peace building message also emerged in this study. For village one, a major concern revolved around land issues. Mothers in village two were more concerned about children’s antisocial behaviours which they developed while in internment camps and in village three mothers emphasised peace building messages.The second study used a one to one semi-structured interview approach. Five mothers from northern Uganda residing in five different boroughs of London were interviewed. Results showed that mothers share similar views about the impact of war as the Gulu mothers. However, their views of transmitting war related information to their children differed according to their age, their children’s age and their political background. Overall, patterns that emerged through thematic analysis were centred on the impact of war, peace building message, the perpetrators of war, timing and collective memory. Each mother had a distinct view regarding her own experiences and willingness to narrate the war ordeal to the child. These results highlight the complexity of factors affecting intergenerational transmission in a new and challenging culture.
The third study involved children aged 8-16 years from five selected primary schools in Gulu and Nwoya districts (Districts of Gulu). Six hundred and thirty eight children in Primary Four drew pictures and completed a Ladder Scale, while 193 in Primary Seven participated in essay writing, completion of the Ladder Scale, African Youth Psychosocial Assessment and information check questionnaires. Independent test analyses showed that boys in Primary Four significantly differed from girls in their perception of the past and the future. There was no significant difference between boys and girls in Primary Seven and age for both classes did not significantly relate to their perception of war. Chi-square tests revealed that boys in Primary Four drew pictures related to military groups, war activities and reminders of war, while girls’ pictures were more related to the concept of peace. Analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) showed that children from worst affected villages are more aware of war than their counterparts from least affected villages. Child’s carer also affected the level of this information.
Overall, findings from this research showed that children are aware of the recent war and their sources of this information come from both a familial and their societal environment. Passing on traumatic war related information may have long lasting impacts on children’s adjustment and mental health. Further examination of the role played by mothers in Uganda and amongst refugee Gulu mothers who have relocated to different countries is urgently required so that appropriate support can be offered.
| Date of Award | 2014 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Supervisor | Maurice Stringer (Supervisor) & Frances Mc Lernon (Supervisor) |
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