Family problems and their reflections on child personality and psychological development: A field study in Mosul

Family life plays a central role in shaping how children grow, especially in fragile, post-conflict settings where stressors are numerous and deeply intertwined. In this study, we explored the experiences of 450 children between 6 and 16 years old across five districts of Mosul, Iraq, a city still recovering from years of conflict. Using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Family Assessment Device (FAD), and structured interviews, we sought to capture both the measurable and lived dimensions of children’s psychological wellbeing. The results were sobering: nearly half of the children showed significant behavioral or emotional difficulties. Specifically, 42% struggled with behavioral challenges, 38% with internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and withdrawal, and 35% with externalizing behaviors like aggression. Family dysfunction was a powerful driver of these outcomes, with parental conflict affecting 59% of families, exposure to domestic violence 32%, and child abuse 17%. Statistical analyses confirmed strong links between these stressors and children’s psychological difficulties. Importantly, children facing four or more family-related problems were several times more likely to develop serious difficulties than those in more stable homes. These findings underscore the urgent need for holistic, culturally sensitive interventions that strengthen family life and community support as foundations for recovery.