The hidden psychological toll of growing up in a conflict zone

Health · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For children living in war, resilience is not just a trait; it is a survival mechanism. From the immersive recreations of evacuee trains to the urgent need for mental health interventions in Ukraine, understanding how children adapt to extraordinary circumstances reveals the profound human cost of global conflict.

War fundamentally reshapes the domestic sphere, affecting everything from school and play to home life and physical health. In modern contexts, the scale of this impact is staggering: nearly two-thirds of the world's children currently live in conflict-affected countries. In Ukraine alone, following the 2022 invasion, approximately two-thirds of the nation's children were displaced, creating an urgent need for specialized support systems that address the intersection of mental health and parenting.

Research into these environments highlights the critical role of the caregiver. A cluster randomised controlled trial involving 510 parents and caregivers in war-affected Ukraine evaluated the 'Hope Groups' intervention. This 12-session program focused on mental health, parenting practices, and violence prevention. Data indicated substantial gains: compared with a waitlist control, those in the intervention group experienced a 33% rise in positive parenting practices alongside 57.4% reduced levels of anxiety and parental depression.

Beyond immediate clinical outcomes, these interventions aim to break cycles of trauma. The study found a 52.7% reduction in violence against children within the intervention arm. By strengthening the mental health of parents and caregivers, these programs provide a buffer against the 'extraordinary and challenging circumstances' that define childhood in war. These findings underscore that while war creates profound instability, targeted psychological support can help preserve the safety and development of the next generation.

Historical perspectives, such as those explored in the 'Childhood in War' exhibition, emphasize that children have shown remarkable adaptability across centuries. By examining personal stories and immersive recreations of historical life—from Cold War kitchens to evacuee carriages—we can better understand the resilience required to navigate a world where the basic structures of safety are constantly under threat.

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