Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Sound of Sirens, Echoes of Trauma: Unpacking Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities in the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Version 1 : Received: 29 September 2023 / Approved: 30 September 2023 / Online: 2 October 2023 (11:26:58 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 5 October 2023 / Approved: 6 October 2023 / Online: 6 October 2023 (10:56:16 CEST)
Version 3 : Received: 9 December 2023 / Approved: 12 December 2023 / Online: 12 December 2023 (10:51:55 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Bayer, Y.M. Sound of Sirens, Echoes of Trauma: Unpacking Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities in the Israel-Hamas Conflict. Israel Affairs 2024, 30, 415–437, doi:10.1080/13537121.2024.2342136. Bayer, Y.M. Sound of Sirens, Echoes of Trauma: Unpacking Socioeconomic Vulnerabilities in the Israel-Hamas Conflict. Israel Affairs 2024, 30, 415–437, doi:10.1080/13537121.2024.2342136.

Abstract

During periods of armed conflict, civilians face an elevated likelihood of encountering traumatic events, heightening their susceptibility to mental health disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The severity of an individual's response to trauma is often modulated by both the degree of exposure to traumatic incidents and specific personal attributes. This study aims to explore the relationship between PTSD symptoms and a range of variables, including the frequency of exposure to missile alerts, individual characteristics, and socio-economic factors. The research focuses on Israeli civilians affected by rocket attacks launched by Hamas during the Israeli military operation "Guardian of the Walls" in May 2021. Our empirical analysis reveals that individuals with limited exposure to missile attacks, those belonging to larger familial units, and those possessing higher educational and income levels are generally less susceptible to post-traumatic symptoms. Data for this study were collected through comprehensive surveys that captured demographic details and employed specialized questionnaires to assess the prevalence and severity of post-traumatic symptoms. These insights have significant implications for the development of targeted preventative measures aimed at reducing the risk of PTSD among at-risk populations. Moreover, they underscore the necessity of incorporating socio-economic considerations into the provision of mental health services for communities affected by violent conflict and trauma.

Keywords

PTSD, Armed conflicts, Socioeconomic status

Subject

Social Sciences, Sociology

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