Schools in Lebanon face challenges in supporting students' mental health, especially after traumatic events like the Beirut Explosion on August 4th. Many students struggle with unhealed trauma, which affects their academic performance. This study highlights that schools are not adequately equipped or trained to handle students with trauma, partly due to a lack of research on children's mental health in Lebanon. This qualitative multiple case study explores the impact of trauma on middle school students' performance, teachers' experiences with these students, the effect of teachers' preparedness on students' school performance, and the overall impact of the explosion on students' mental health.

The theoretical framework used for this study is based on 1) Maslow’s (1943) theory of motivation, (2) Vygotsky’s (1978) social learning theory, (3) Piaget’s cognitive development theory, and (4) Machover’s (1949) psychoanalytic theory. Moreover, a conceptual framework was formulated based Maslow’s (1943) theory of motivation.

Data collection was done among 10 students in middle school, between the ages of 11 and 14. The instruments used to collect data were the Three Pictures Test, semi-structured interviews, and the Academic Performance Questionnaire. Data analysis was based on Grounded Theory Analysis followed by coding.

The study implies that inadequately trained school staff can negatively impact traumatized students academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. The results suggest that implementing trauma-informed school strategies and training will help instructors feel more confident in supporting students with trauma, creating a safer school environment, and improving students' academic performance.

Authors:
Rayyane Shukr, Lebanese International University, Lebanon

About the Presenter(s)
Rayyane Shukr is currently a Lecturer of English Literature, Language, and Education at the Lebanese International University. My interests revolve around the role of education in times of war and trauma, which is also my current project.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayyane-shukr-53596875/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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