Memory of war and refuge: The effects of traumatic memory on PTSD and mental health of displaced persons

Abstract

Background

Empirical data regarding the psychological sequelae of traumatic memories among displaced populations in the MENA region, particularly within the Syrian context, remains critically sparse. This study aims to identify the memories of war and displacement and their impact on mental health and PTSD symptoms among displaced persons and refugees.

Methods

An online questionnaire was administered to 356 internally displaced persons in Syria. They responded to the War and Displacement Memory Questionnaire (WDMQ), the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18). The ages ranged from 18 to 75 years (mean = 35.13, SD = 8.034). Females comprised 53.65% (n = 191), and males made up 46.34% (n = 165).

Results

A total of 56.74% of participants scored higher on the war and displacement memory questionnaire. War events ranked highest with an average of (4.62), followed by displacement events (4.50), the emotions associated with war or displacement (4.49), the novelty of memories and their intrusive attack (4.39), feeling nostalgic for one's home (4.17), and disturbing memories (4.00). While 48.60% of participants scored above average on the PTSD scale. Whereas, 51.40% scored higher on the mental health questionnaire. While female participants and those with primary education attained marginally higher scores on the traumatic memory scale, these disparities did not reach statistical significance. Significant correlations between traumatic memories and PCL-5 and BSI-18 were found (r = 0.680, p < 0.001; 0.466, p < 0.000, respectively). Education and memories of war and displacement predict PTSD and mental health symptoms.

Conclusion

An integrated model of memory and mental health may provide a deeper understanding of the psychological needs and clinical features linked to memories of war and displacement. These findings may be useful in better understanding the psychological effects of traumatic memory on the mental health of refugees.

Keywords

Traumatic memories PTSD war displaced persons and refugees mental health

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