Effects of ethnicity on sub-clinical PTSD and depressive symptoms, following exposure to missile attacks in Israel-A pilot study

Objective. The aim of this pilot study was to compare the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, major depression disorder (MDD)-related symptoms, and negative mood regulation capacities among Israeli Jewish and Arab children and their parents, all of whom had been exposed to recurrent missiles attacks during the Second Lebanon War. Methods. Participants consisted of 28 Jewish and 14 Arab children (aged 4-18 years) and their parents. They were assessed by self-report instruments and a semi-structured interview (K-SADS-PL). Results. Among children, PTSD and depressive symptoms were found to be interrelated. Parents' depression and mood regulation were found to be related to their children's PTSD and depressive responses. Both children's and parents' negative mood regulation capacities were inversely related to children's depressive and PTSD symptoms. Both Jewish and Arab children's scores on the Children Depression Inventory (CDI) and on the PTSD Scale Symptoms Interview (PSS-I) showed significant levels of emotional distress following the missile attacks. However, Arab children reported significantly higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms in comparison to Jewish children. Conclusion. Ethnicity seems to be an important factor in children's responses to war-related events.