50. Punamaki, R. L., Qouta, S., and El Sarraj, E. Models of Traumatic Experiences and Children's Psychological Adjustment: The Role of Perceived Parenting and the Children's Own Resources and Activity. Child Development 1997; 64,4: 718-728.

This study examines the role of traumatic experiences on children’s psychological adjustment. Associations were explored both directly and indirectly through mediating pathways. Questions were used to measure traumatic experience levels, perception of parenting styles, psychological adjustment, cognitive capacity and political activity in 108 Palestinian boys and girls, age 11-12. The direct pathway showed a significant association between traumatic experience during the Intifada and poor psychological adjustment (low self-esteem and neuroticism). The mediating path with traumatic events being association with an increased perception of poor parenting, which then mediates the increase in poor psychological adjustment, was significant. Cognitive capacity did not prove to be a strong indicator. Political activity was associated with poor psychological adjustment but could be moderated with good perceived parenting in children faced with traumatic events. The authors conclude that traumatic events have a direct and indirect effect on psychological adjustment with perceived parenting styles being the strongest mediating exposure.