The Impact of War Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences in Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Case of the Srebrenica Genocide
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmsi.v4i2.6045Keywords:
ACE, Genocide, Intergenerational Effects, PTSD, Srebrenica, TraumaAbstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) represent a major determinant of adult mental and physical health outcomes, encompassing abuse, neglect, and dysfunctional family environments. When compounded by war trauma, their impact becomes substantially more severe. This review systematically examines research published between 1995 and 2023 on the combined effects of ACE and war trauma in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a specific focus on the Srebrenica genocide. The search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using predefined inclusion criteria. Studies consistently indicate high exposure rates among children, with PTSD prevalence ranging from 30–70% and depression from 25–60%. The cumulative impact of early adversity and war exposure contributes to chronic somatic diseases, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, as well as intergenerational psychological transmission. This review identifies a research gap concerning integrated psychosocial and biological models of trauma recovery in post-conflict societies. Findings underscore the need for public health strategies that prioritize early trauma screening, community-based interventions, and long-term mental health programs for survivors and their descendants.
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