From Trauma to Resilience: A Systematic Review of Psychological Intervention Strategies for War-Affected Children and Adolescents

Abstract Globally, 1 in 10 children are impacted by war, with over 24,000 violations documented in 2020 alone. These children face persistent mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review evaluates current psychological interventions for war-affected children. Following PRISMA guidelines, 10 studies (2013–2021) from conflict zones in non-high-income countries were analyzed. Clinical interventions such as the Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRTs) are crucial; TRT is a low-cost intervention implementable by trained nonprofessionals under supervision. Findings revealed that TRT showed promise, especially when combined with parenting sessions, underscoring the importance of caregiver involvement. School-based programs were effective in addressing PTSD and anxiety symptoms, highlighting the key role of schools and trained teachers. Reading interventions improved affect recognition, and life-skills approaches enhanced social coping, but the most impactful strategies integrated caregivers. Successful interventions combined parental and community support, emphasizing cultural adaptation and individualized approaches for sustained mental health improvements.