How Western Negev residents cope with trauma after October 7 - study
The study reveals that older participants exhibited lower signs of stress and anxiety than younger ones.
Western Negev residents still have a high sense of resilience and believe that life is still meaningful, a study published by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) found.
Nitzan Eilon, a BGU doctoral student who lives in Netiv Ha’asara and was saved on October 7, surveyed about 600 residents of the Western Negev communities (aged 18-91), starting 100 days after the massacre, to explore how they coped with stress.
The study, with the help of Prof. Orna Braun-Lewensohn, was published Tuesday.
Eilon found that there was a high level of resilience within these communities, although it differed between age groups. People’s sense of resilience and the belief that life is still meaningful scored an average of 3.54 (out of 5) and 4.44 (out of 7), respectively.
However, trust in the IDF was relatively low (2.33 out of 5).
Among the participants, 64% were residents of the kibbutzim, and 33% were the next generation of the families that founded the kibbutz or the moshav where they live. A majority of them were at home on October 7, with 45% directly experiencing the infiltration of the terrorists.
More than half of the respondents reported that they had a family member or close friend who was murdered, kidnapped, or hurt during the attacks.
Difference of stress in generations
The research also found that older residents were more resilient than younger ones. Those with higher levels of resilience, community trust, and a sense of purpose showed lower stress and anxiety.
“These resources were essential in reducing stress reactions during the attack,” Eilon explained.
Within the survey, younger people (ages 18-30) showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, and physical distress than adults 61 and over.
Women were shown to experience more psychological distress and have more negative emotions in comparison to men and additionally sought out more emotional support.
Eilon explained that community bonds, a sense of purpose, and attachment developed in childhood are essential to managing stress caused by October 7. She also noted that with the ongoing war and the fact that there are hostages still in Gaza, it is essential to continue studying and providing support for the emotional impact of war.
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