Ethnic Violence Causes Greater Trauma Among Communities

Research shows that violence committed by members of the same ethnic group can inflict significantly greater psychological harm than that perpetrated by opposing groups. A study by Joan Barceló and Keshana Ratnasingham focused on the mental health consequences faced by Tamil civilians in postwar Sri Lanka, revealing stark differences in trauma levels based on the source of violence.

Through their analysis, the researchers determined that exposure to violence from coethnics can lead to trauma levels that are up to five times higher than those resulting from violence by rival ethnic groups. This work underscores the profound impact of intragroup conflict on community well-being.