CONTINUOUS TRAUMATIC STRESS RESPONSE AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG ADULTS EXPOSED TO POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN THE NORTH OF THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

Ghannam, Maram

CONTINUOUS TRAUMATIC STRESS RESPONSE AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG ADULTS EXPOSED TO POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN THE NORTH OF THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: A MIXED METHOD STUDY

Date

2024-10-02

Authors

Ghannam, Maram

Publisher

An-Najah National University

Abstract

Background: Prolonged exposure to political violence, such that which occurred during the Israeli-Palestinian occupation, has caused serious physical and mental distress for Palestinian civilians. It is crucial to examine that people experience anxiety, dread, and sense of perceived threat during continuous traumatic stress are directly affect coping strategies. The aim of the study : To assess the level of Continuous Traumatic Stress Response and coping strategies among Palestinian adults exposed to political violence. Method: A mixed method of quantitative and qualitative research study design was adopted in this study. A purposive sampling method of adults who are from Jenin and Nablus camps and Nablus Old City. Out of 407 participants were included in this study. The Politically Violent Events Scale, continues traumatic stress response scale and the Jalowiec Coping Scale were used.Ten participants were included in this study in qualitative study for in depth interviews. Results: The findings indicated that the participants' greatest exposure (76.7%) was to their home being searched by the military. In terms of the event's severe impact, curfews or being prohibited from leaving one's home or city was ranked as the most severe influences. Participants feels fear and helplessness (63.6%), followed by feeling of exhausted and detachment (62.61%), and finally feeling of rage and betrayed(59.35%). the focus on concentrating their efforts on doing something about the situation was the highest among the approach coping method and their ‏trying to find comfort in religion was the highest among the avoidant coping method among the study participants. In the qualitative findings, Six themes were emerged: Military occupation as a source of danger, terror, sabotage, deprivation of freedom and rights. a source of psychological and physical diseases, loss of loved ones. And the “Challenging the occupation as a source of hope” theme . Conclusion: Enhanced comprehension of the psychological ramifications of possibly traumatic incidents can eventually result in better CTSR prevention and treatment strategies. The promotion of mental health and well-being among people impacted by stress and trauma connected to conflict requires standardized instruments, family support, and cultural sensitivity.