A preliminary study of emotional and behavioral problems among Bedouin children living in ‘unrecognized villages’ in Southern Israel

Aims This study presents data on the emotional and behavioral problems of Bedouin children, the most underserved citizens of Israel. Methods 458 children aged 4 – 10 were rated by their mothers with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Socio-demographic traits and children's exposure to traumatic events were recorded. Bedouin children were compared with independent samples of American, Chinese and Australian children. Results Boys had higher problems scores than girls. Bedouin children had higher problem scores than other children. Conclusions The higher problems scores of Bedouin children can be partly explained by their poverty, dire living conditions and consequent maternal distress.