What is it about?

War not only affects soldiers but also deeply impacts their families, especially children. Postconflict environments shape adolescent wellbeing in profound ways. In Sri Lanka, children who have lost a father in military service face unique emotional and psychological challenges that can affect their development and long-term mental health. Our study found that one in seven of these adolescents have psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, and behaviour problems, with males being more affected than females. These mental health struggles are linked to the trauma of losing a parent and the ongoing stress their families face. Addressing these mental health needs through targeted support and treatment for these young people is essential for long-term healing and peacebuilding in post-war Sri Lanka.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This study highlights how the psychological effects of war extend beyond soldiers to their children, with adolescents of fallen service members experiencing mental health challenges that require clinical interventions. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive, age- and gender-responsive mental health support for bereaved youth as a vital part of long-term peacebuilding and psychosocial recovery in postconflict settings.

Perspectives

Writing this article was particularly meaningful to me as it focused on a group that has been overlooked in research: adolescents of army war widows. Growing up in Sri Lanka, I have seen the lasting impact of war on families, and this study allowed me to highlight their struggles. Through this work, I was able to help adolescents who might have otherwise been missed by the system, offering them a chance to change their life trajectory. It also gave me an opportunity to give back to those who sacrificed so much for us. Collaborating with experts reinforced my commitment to supporting conflict-affected youth, and I hope this research contributes to better mental health support and policies for these families.

Dr Danushi Wijekoon
Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: War’s lingering wounds: Postconflict mental health challenges among adolescents of army war widows in Sri Lanka., Peace and Conflict Journal of Peace Psychology, November 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/pac0000824.
You can read the full text:

Read

Contributors

The following have contributed to this page