Political Instability and its Effects on Parental Approach in Supporting their Children’s Experience and Understanding of the World: The Lebanese Context
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This study examined the way prolonged political instability shapes parents and children’s perceptions of self, others, and the world around them, the way they navigate life in general in the midst of uncertainty, conflict, and disruptions, and their future outlook. Additionally, it looked into parental approaches in emotionally and physically supporting children, and the way these approaches influenced children’s emotional and cognitive experiences and understanding of their surrounding within the Lebanese context. Grounded in psychological, sociological, and political paradigms and perspectives, this study explored the way Lebanese parents deal with their own intense emotions while also attempting to offer support and protection to their children. With Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as methodology, this research drew insights from in-depth interviews with Lebanese 21 parents – two males - and four children – two boys, and two girls - on perceptions and meanings of instability, safety, resilience, survival, emotional regulation, and hope.Using Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model (1979) and some of the language of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943), the findings showed that political instability and economic collapse significantly affect parenting practices, emotional regulation, and coping strategies. Parents often assume dual roles as educators and protectors while managing their own stress and trauma. Children’s emotional and behavioural well-being is closely linked to broader socio-political systems, with parental emotional regulation and family communication playing a central role in how children interpret and respond to their environment. Cultural and spiritual norms function as protective factors that foster resilience amid uncertainty.Theoretically, the study expands on the understanding of parenting in light of emotionally charged environments. The implication and recommendation would be to endorse mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) focusing on families as a whole, using contextually and culturally appropriate preventions and interventions, within schools and community centres in rural areas at low to no-cost.
Source: University of Leicester
Author: Tala AlNoweisser
Language: English
Topic: Resilience and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7212248088