An Analysis of Gender difference in Traumatic Experiences and PTSD Severity among Children Survivors of Post -Election Violence in Nakuru County, Kenya

Jacinta Nduta King’ori, Ph.D., The Cooperative University of Kenya

Abstract

Gender differences have been observed in children’s experience of traumatic events as well in development of PTSD. Males have commonly been found to experience more traumas except for sexual assault while the female are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event. In the 2007/2008 post-election violence in Kenya, both female and male and children were exposed to and witnessed various traumatic events. The purpose of this study was to investigate the traumatic experiences of children during post-election violence and the possibility of development of post-traumatic stress disorder among children survivors of 2007/2008 post-election violence in Nakuru County. The study sought to determine gender difference in traumatic experiences and PTSD severity. The study utilized ex post facto and correlational research designs. The study was guided by Cognitive Behavioral Theory. A sample size of 400 respondents was derived from areas affected by post-election violence in Nakuru County. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to derive the sample. Data for the study was obtained using questionnaires. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested at significance level of 0.05. Male survivors were found to have experienced more traumatic experiences but the female survivors higher in PTSD scores. Significant gender difference was established in traumatic experiences and level of PTSD severity among children survivors of post-election violence.

Keywords: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, post-election violence of 2007/2008, gender, traumatic experiences.