Posts by Annisha Attanayake
DNA Methylation Changes Correlated to War Trauma in Children and Adolescents
This study shows that exposure to war is not only emotionally scarring but may also leave a biological trace in children. Through exploring how war trauma affects DNA methylation in Syrian refugee youth, this research offers a new insight on how global mental health support can be tailored.
Read MoreInvestigating the Predictors of Environmental Sensitivity in Syrian Refugee Children
This study identifies key predictors of environmental sensitivity, showing that both adverse and supportive environments influence how Syrian refugee children perceive and process their surroundings. Understanding which children are more sensitive could help tailor interventions to better support the mental health and well-being of forcibly displaced children.
Read MoreSupporting the Mental Health of Forcibly Displaced Children: A Call to Action
This 2025 review paper critically evaluates current research and presents a comprehensive and urgent appeal for stronger, evidence-based interventions to support the mental health of forcibly displaced children.
Read MoreHair Hormones Reveal Refugee Stress Patterns over Two Years
This research using hair hormone analysis sheds light on the long-term physiological impact of war trauma and forced displacement in Syrian refugee children. The study provides key insights into stress biomarkers and their relationship with mental health, informing future interventions to support vulnerable populations.
Read MoreThe Critical Role of Mothers in Refugee Children’s Mental Health
This comprehensive retrospective study investigated the crucial role that mothers have in shaping the mental health of Syrian refugee children. Findings showed that maternal well-being is associated with their children’s psychological outcomes. Supporting maternal mental health is vital for improving child mental health in refugee contexts.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Mental Health Crisis Among Syrian Refugee Children and Adolescents in Lebanon
Syrian refugee children and adolescents living in informal settlements in Lebanon face immense challenges that significantly affect their mental health. This study delves into the prevalence and predictors of mental health problems in this population, offering critical insights for policymaking and intervention strategies.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Impact of Father-separation on Well-being in Forcibly Displaced Syrian Children
This study sought to understand how father separation impacts Syrian refugee children’s mental well-being. Researchers also examined whether father separation was related to worse maternal parenting, explaining any adverse effects on children’s well-being. Researchers looked at different aspects of well-being, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, aggression, and self-development.
Read MoreEnvironmental Sensitivity and Mental Health in Syrian Refugee Children
This multi-level cross-disciplinary study looked at how inter-individual differences in environmental sensitivity influenced the mental health outcomes of Syrian refugee children.
Read MoreInvestigating the Predictors of Psychological Risk and Resilience among Syrian Refugee Children
This cross-sectional research provides insight into the individual and social factors that drive resilience in refugee children, highlighting the factors that may contribute to their risk of mental health challenges in the future.
Read MoreExploring War Exposure, Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms and Biological Stress in Syrian Refugee Children
War has profound psychological and biological effects. This study reveals how war-related trauma in Syrian refugee children and adolescents is related to altered cortisol levels – a stress hormone. Understanding these changes could shape mental health interventions, benefiting young refugees worldwide.
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