Adolescence under fire: a multi‐method study of psychological vulnerability and resilience among adolescents impacted by war
Liann Hahama b✉, Idan M. Aderkaa b, Daniel S. Pinec d, Rany Abende f, Tomer Shechnera b
- aSchool of Psychological Sciences and the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center University of Haifa Haifa Israel
- bSchool of Psychological Sciences and the Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- cSection on Development and Affective Neuroscience National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Intramural Research Program (IRP) Bethesda, MD USA
- dSection on Development and Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Intramural Research Program (IRP), Bethesda, MD, USA
- eBaruch Ivcher School of Psychology Reichman University Herzliya Israel
- fBaruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
- ✉Corresponding author
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Given the long-term negative impact of exposure to military conflict, identifying its immediate psychological effects is crucial to develop prevention and intervention approaches, especially in adolescents, a group particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. METHODS: = 16.35 years; 131 females, 65 males), 1-3 months into the Israel-Hamas war (2023), using a multi-method approach combining mental health questionnaires with week-long momentary sampling throughout the day and nightly diary measures. We focused on risk and protective factors affecting mental health. RESULTS: = 46.78, SD = 15.61). Female gender, increased tiredness, and avoidant coping strategies constituted risk factors for lower psychological well-being; in-person social interaction and emotional and problem-focused coping strategies represented resilience factors. CONCLUSIONS: By providing comprehensive information on risk and protective factors, this study informs the development of targeted prevention and intervention approaches to support adolescent well-being in times of extreme stress.