Qualitative Research with Children and Families in Conflict-affected Environments

The importance of families in mediating and moderating negative effects of conflict and violence has been well documented (e.g. De Jong, 2002; Masten & Narayan, 2012). Yet insight into the complex role of families in pathways of exposure to violence and children’s short-term and long-term adjustment is still limited (Proctor, 2006). In conflict-affected environments, methodological, conceptual and translational difficulties challenge advancement in research and intervention (e.g. Cummings et al., 2017). Here, we identify three challenges, which can be partly addressed by qualitative research methodology. By way of example, we detail a recent study in Burundi, a country in Africa’s heart where outbreaks of violence have occurred over successive generations (Berckmoes, De Jong, & Reis, 2017).