Impact of Conflict and Minority Stressors on PTSS in Palestinian Arab Grandmothers

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between grandchild caregiving, war-related trauma, and minority stressors with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among Palestinian Arab grandmothers in Israel.

Background

Posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are prevalent among individuals exposed to armed conflict, particularly in ethnic minority groups facing additional stressors. Understanding the psychological impact on Palestinian Arab grandmothers is crucial for addressing their mental health needs during ongoing conflict.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 93.7% of participants reported at least one war-related traumatic event.
• 34.8% reported experiencing at least one minority-related stressor.
• Minority-related stress was significantly associated with PTSS (β = .20, p < .05).
• Resource loss was a significant predictor of PTSS (β = .25, p < .05).
• The final model explained 22% of the variance in PTSS (R² = .22, p < .001).
• Mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect of minority-related stress on PTSS through resource loss (ab = .05, 95% CI [0.0012, 0.1196]).

Clinical Implications

Interventions that address minority-related stress and focus on preserving psychosocial resources may be beneficial for Palestinian Arab grandmothers in conflict settings. Understanding these dynamics can inform targeted mental health support strategies.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of addressing both minority-related stressors and resource loss in mitigating PTSS among Palestinian Arab grandmothers. Further research is needed to explore effective interventions.

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