Mental Health Challenges Facing Palestinian Families Living Under Israeli Colonialism

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the mental health of mothers and their children living in the vicinity and inside the Israeli settlements built in the area of old Hebron. In addition, the researcher seeks to reveal its impact on children's age and gender variables, age, and working mothers’ variables. The researcher uses two measures. The first measure is to measure the PTSD symptoms among the children and their mothers. The results show that the female and younger age children have post-trauma symptoms distinguished from the males or the older children with statistically significant differences, while the women have not shown statistically significant differences, based on the variables of age and work. In addition, the researcher uses the measure of Carver to find out adaptation mechanisms for the children and their mothers. These children obtained positive adaptation mechanisms according to the highest adaptation strategies. Their order from the highest to the lowest is (Planning, Humor, Religion, Acceptance, Use of emotional support, Active coping, Instrumental support Use, Venting). As for their mothers, the order is as follows from the highest to the lowest: (Acceptance, Positive reframing, Self- distraction, Humor, Religion, and Use of instrumental support). All of these are considered positive coping strategies. Finally, the researcher recommends conducting expanded studies for all who are dwelling in these areas. Moreover, the author recommends intervention from civil society and mental health institutions to cover people living in these areas. This helps to illustrate the intensity and symptoms of post-trauma, especially among children.