Treating war- and conflict-related nightmares in children and youth: outcomes of a school-based intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Recurrent nightmares often severely impair the quality of life, school functioning, and daily functioning of trauma-exposed children and adolescents. However, research to date is limited for treatments focused on reducing the impact of posttraumatic nightmares among youth in conflict zones. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of the Better Learning Program 3 (BLP) as it was implemented in over 100 schools in Gaza (2012–2017). Methods: Treatment outcome was investigated in an open trial among war- and conflict-exposed students (6–17 years of age) in Gaza (N = 1093). All participants sought help with nightmares and sleep disturbance and reported recurrent traumatic nightm..