| A wave of religious clashes between Christians and Muslims has persisted in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria in the last decade, with dare consequences. Studies have shown that psychological "trauma is a natural consequence of war." It is obvious that this experience has an immense effect on the general population; but worse still, on children and adolescents.;Having explored studies that have confirmed that traumatic experience can interrupt with the maturation process of the central nervous system in children and adolescents, this research project, in dialogue with major works on the subject, and based on various trauma theories, explores the physical, emotional, social and cognitive manifestations of traumatic experiences in these age groups. Additionally, the study identifies age-appropriate symptomatologies as they relate to children and adolescents in traumatic situations.;This of course is invaluable information if proper intervention approaches are to be applied. The study goes on to identify ways in which children and adolescents could be supported in overcoming the long-term effects of traumatic experiences. To this end, the author has devised an interventional model, the Holistic Soul Care Treatment. This model has emerged from a compilation of sources including soul care practices, Capacitar treatment therapies, African cultural approaches, and Western psychotherapeutic theory. It is based on an holistic approach to treatment, an intervention method that takes into consideration all dimensions of the person---the body, mind, soul, spirit, emotions and relationships (both interpersonal and environmental). Ultimately, the goal of this program is to restore hope in these children and adolescents who are caught up in a seemingly hopeless situation. |
