The Influence of the War in Iraq on American Youth's Fears: Implications for Professional School Counselors

Abstract

Before and after the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, the fears of youth in grades 2-12 were examined using the American Fear Survey Schedule for Children and Adolescents (Burnham, 2005). In a pre-invasion and post-invasion comparison, results revealed significant age and gender differences between pre- and post-invasion samples. In addition, the post-invasion sample reported more war-related fears. Implications are discussed and potential resources for professional school counselors are presented.