The Effect of Circumcision on the Mental Health of Children Running Head: Circumcision and Mental Health

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.