Abstract:
To investigate the effects of circumcision on children’s behavioral
characteristics, de-pression and anxiety levels. 35 boys, aged between 6-11,
who were scheduled to be circumcised were included in the study. Child
Depression Inventory and Stait Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children were
administered to the children and Child Behaviour Checklist (4/18) was
administered to their parents one week before the circumcision and one
month and six months after the circumcision. The data were evaluated by
SPSS 18 program. Total, internalization and externalization problem scores,
anxiety/depression, delinquent behavior, attention problems subscale
scores, one month and six months after circumcision were signifi-cantly
lower when compared to the scores before the circumcision. Withdrawal,
somatic com-plaints and aggressive behavior subscale scores six months
after circumcision were significantly lower when compared to the period
before circumcision. Although state anxiety and depression scores one
month after circumcision were improved significantly, by the end of six
months, there was no significant difference in terms of depression, state
and trait anxiety scores. When evaluating the psychological consequences
of a procedure which has historical, religious and cultural significance such
as circumcision, social factors should also be taken into consideration. The
positive meanings attributed to the circumcision in Turkey may reduce the
negative effects of the operation on children’s mental health. The results
show that the circumcision does not increase depression and anxiety levels
and behavioral problems of the children in Turkey.