Treatment of Aggressive Behavior and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Treatment of Aggressive Behavior and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Former Street Children and Vulnerable Children in Burundi With Narrative Exposure Therapy for Violent Offenders

Street children and children of vulnerable families in conflict or former conflict regions are often exposed to multiple traumatic events and situations in which they are forced to engage in violent behavior. The Narrative Exposure Therapy for violent offenders (NETvo) aims to reduce both PTSD symptoms and aggressive behavior. It helps the children to anchor fearful experiences and positive emotions linked to violent behaviour in the past. Additionally, visions for the future are developed in order to foster successful reintegration into society.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Positive Emotions concerning aggressive behavior derived from expert interviews with higher Scores of the Appetitive Aggression Scale (AAS)
• children are part of an aid program for reintegration into society

Exclusion Criteria:

• current substance dependance or use of antipsychotic drugs
• chronically ill children