Yossi Levi‐Belz
Dados Biográficos
| ID | 6514868 |
|---|---|
| NOME | Yossi Levi‐Belz |
| PRENOMES | Yossi |
| SOBRENOME | Levi‐Belz |
| ASSINATURA | BELZ Y L |
| AFILIAÇÕES | Ruppin Academic Center |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-8865-5639 |
| VERIFICADO | Sim |
| TOTAL DE OBRAS | 37 |
| TOTAL DE CITAÇÕES | 11 |
| TOTAL COMO AUTOR | 37 |
| TOTAL COMO EDITOR | 0 |
| PRIMEIRO ANO DE PUBLICAÇÃO | 2016 |
| ANO MAIS RECENTE DE PUBLICAÇÃO | 2025 |
| ÍNDICE H | 2 |
The attack is not over yet
Our study accentuates the long-term impact of the October 7, 2023, attack on the mental health of the Israeli population, particularly among citizens who were directly exposed to the attack. The findings highlight the need to provide rapid, nationwide assessments and triage for interventions for those who were at the first line of confronting the terrorists on one of the grimmest days in Israel's history. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, a…
War-related stressors and mental health
The findings underscore the role that a sense of betrayal may play in the relationships between economic and traumatic loss and mental health outcomes. Targeted interventions addressing betrayal may help mitigate these symptoms in civilians exposed to trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)
The contribution of moral injury to Israeli teachers’ mental health difficulties
This study underscores the need to address moral injury among teachers as an essential factor for maintaining their mental health, as well as the overall sustainability of the educational system. Early screening and interventions are needed to identify and treat teachers at risk for MHD stemming from moral injury
Is termination of a desired pregnancy due to possible fetal abnormalities a case of moral injury? A preliminary report
Termination of pregnancy (TOP) due to possible fetal abnormalities is known to be associated with various mental health problems. This study examines associations between potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs), moral injury outcomes (MI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and prolonged grief (PG) among treatment-seeking women following late pregnancy loss. A volunteer sample of ( n = 132) Israeli women who attended a reproductive psychi…
PTSD, depression, and anxiety after the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel
Background: The magnitude of the Oct 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel was without precedent. More than 1300 civilians were murdered, and 240 civilians were kidnapped and taken hostage. In this national cohort study, for which baseline outcome data were established before the attacks, a prospective assessment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was conducted one month after the attack. Metho…
The ethics of suicide research online
Suicide, one of the top causes of life lost in developed countries, is a major health problem, especially today, with the dramatic increase in mental health difficulties that was triggered during the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Opportunely, the recent emergence of internet-based crowdsourcing platforms (e.g., Amazon’s Mechanical Turk) may accelerate research on suicide prevention, however, this type of suicide research online involves a diff…
Adherence to Masculinity Norms and Depression Symptoms Among Israeli Men
Being a man has been recognized as a salient risk factor for suicide. Adopting uncompromised masculine perceptions (i.e., conforming to the masculine gender role norms) may restrict emotional expressiveness in men, which, in turn, may contribute to depression and somatization symptoms. We examined the moderating role of psychological flexibility and alexithymia in the relationship of masculinity with depression and somatization symptoms. A sample…
The impact of moral injury on suicide risk among recently discharged Israeli veterans
Experiencing PMIEs, especially PMIE-Self and PMIE-Other, proved to be validated predictors of trauma-related guilt and, in turn, of suicide risk during the first year after the veterans' discharge. Combatants at their discharge from the military should have access to targeted self-forgiveness interventions, as these interventions can have a buffering effect on the development of suicidal ideation and behaviors following PMIEs. (PsycInfo Database …
Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth Among Young Adults Coping With Parental Loss
This study examined the roles of resilience and willingness to seek psychological help in influencing Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) among 173 emerging adults who experienced parental loss during their school years. A positive relationship was found between resilience, the willingness to seek psychological help, and PTG. Participants who endured loss over five years prior manifested increased PTG (New-Possibilities, Spiritual Change, and Appreciatio…
A prospective investigation of protective factors for moral injury and psychiatric symptomatology among Israeli combatants
BACKGROUND: In this prospective study, we examined pre-enlistment characteristics and pre-deployment protective factors of exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) among Israeli active-duty combatants, as well as psychiatric symptomatology outcomes of exposure. METHODS: A sample of 335 active-duty Israeli combatants participated in a 2.5-year prospective study with three waves of measurements (T1: 12 months before enlistment, T2: …
Prospective associations between psychological factors, potentially morally injurious events, and psychiatric symptoms among Israeli combatants
This is the first prospective study of antecedents and outcomes of exposure to PMIEs among active-duty combatants. Clinicians treating combatants should be aware of the putative role of psychological flexibility for exposure to PMIEs, as well as the promising mitigating role of ethical leadership and preparation for moral injury and psychopathological outcomes among combatants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)
Depression, Complicated Grief, and Suicide Ideation Following Bereavement During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Many people lost a relative during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a loss may have deleterious implications due to the circumstances of bereavement during lockdowns and social distancing. This study aimed to explore depressive symptoms, complicated grief, and suicidal ideation in the grieving process among 104 bereaved jewish adults who had lost relatives during the COVID-19 pandemic by completing self-reported questionnaires. The results indicate hi…
The effect of suicide severity and patient’s age on mental health professionals’ willingness to treat
Understanding mental health professionals' (MHPs) willingness to treat suicidal older adults is critical in preventative psychotherapy. We examined the effect of a hypothetical patient's age and suicide severity on MHPs' willingness to treat or refer them to another therapist. Vignettes of hypothetical patients were presented to 368 MHPs aged 24-72 years. The vignettes had two age conditions (young/old) and three suicidality severity conditions. …
Moral injury, depression, and anxiety symptoms among health and social care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic can affect health and social care workers' (HSCWs') mental health in their role as frontline workers in this crisis. The pandemic poses unique challenges to HSCWs as they face morally daunting decisions while working with limited knowledge and resources. This study primary objective was to examine the moderating role of thwarted belongingness in the relationships between HSCWs' exposure to potentially morally inj…
Moral injury, PTSD, and complex PTSD among Israeli health and social care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
The study's findings offer a novel overview of the associations between patterns of exposure to PMIEs, MI, PTSD, and CPTSD. Clinicians treating HSCWs coping with COVID-19-related moral injury should be aware of the importance of high self-criticism in the possible posttraumatic sequelae of exposure to PMIEs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
How can they treat it if they can't identify it?”
The findings highlight that MHPs have minimal knowledge of MI, which may relate to their reluctance to treat patients with the psychological manifestations of MI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
Non-suicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents From Diverse Ethnocultural Groups in Israel
These results emphasize the need for routine NSSI assessments to prevent long-term sequelae, including any forms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and adult borderline personality disorder (BPD). Primary preventive programs that include adaptive coping skills may eliminate the social contagion effect of NSSI
Defining and Assessing the Syndrome of Moral Injury
Potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) entail acts of commission (e.g., cruelty, proscribed or prescribed violence) or omission (e.g., high stakes failure to protect others) and bearing witness (e.g., to grave inhumanity, to the gruesome aftermath of violence), or being the victim of others' acts of commission (e.g., high stakes trust violations) or omission (e.g., being the victim of grave individual or systemic failures to protect) that t…
Prolonged Grief Symptoms among Suicide-Loss Survivors
Guilt is an important contributor to PGS among SLSs, and perceived burdensomeness plays a critical role in moderating this contribution. In light of these findings, it can be suggested that SLSs with high levels of guilt should receive special attention and may benefit from therapeutic interventions focusing on reducing maladaptive cognitions that elicit intense guilt or perceived burden
Depression and Suicide Ideation among Suicide-Loss Survivors
Suicide is not only a tragic end of life but also may be the beginning of a very challenging life for those left behind. Suicide-loss survivors (SLSs) are individuals who were exposed to the suicide of a close family member or a friend and endure highly emotional distress. The psychological stance and reactions of SLS are deeply colored by painful, intense emotions that are expressed through different psychiatric symptoms, including depression an…
An Integrative Psychological Model of Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among Israeli LGBT Individuals
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender individuals (LGBT) are at high risk for suicide. This study aimed to examine an integrative psychological model of risk factors among LGBT individuals and explore the psychological pathways connecting social stigma, mental pain, and interpersonal characteristics to suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) in this population. LGBT adults ( N = 473) responded to an online questionnaire about stigma, mental pai…
Thinking for healing
Suicide-loss survivors are an at-risk population for complicated grief and suicide ideation. This study examined mentalization deficits as a possible moderator of the association between complicated grief and suicide ideation. Suicide-loss survivors ( N = 152) completed questionnaires on complicated grief, suicide ideation, and mentalization deficits. Mentalization deficits facilitated suicide ideation, beyond the contribution of complicated grie…
Who is really at risk? The contribution of death anxiety in suicide risk and loneliness among older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic
Isolation and quarantine imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the age-related risk for depression and suicide. However, not all older adults endure the same distress levels. We aimed to identify those at higher risk of depression, perceived loneliness, and suicide, comparing self-reports of depression, loneliness, suicide risk, and death anxiety among 277 participants in three age groups recruited through social media. Older adults repo…
Together we stand
The outbreak of COVID-19 has increased potential risks for depression and suicide among older adults. In this paper, we discuss the specific risk factors and current status of older adults in Israel in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Following that, we suggest establishing relevant and effective measures for suicide assessment, intervention, and prevention to avert experiences of loneliness, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness and …
What predicts unremitting suicidal ideation? A prospective examination of the role of subjective age in suicidal ideation among ex-prisoners of war
A subset of ex-POWs are exposed to continuous suicidal risk throughout their later life, more than 40 years after the war. Furthermore, an older subjective age mediated these associations, independent of the levels of T1 SI, actual age, and self-rated health. These findings suggest debilitating long-term effects of trauma for SI in later life and their connections to advanced psychological aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights…
Relationship with the deceased as facilitator of posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors
This study aimed to investigate the role of ongoing relationships with the deceased in facilitating posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors. The sample comprised 58 suicide-loss survivors, 48 sudden-death, and 53 natural-death bereaved individuals, who completed questionnaires assessing the two-track model of bereavement, grief, and growth-related characteristics. Suicide-loss survivors reported lower levels of positive relationships wi…
To share or not to share? The contribution of self-disclosure to stress-related growth among suicide survivors
This study examined to what extent suicide survivors can experience growth in the aftermath of suicide loss, as well as the role of self-disclosure and coping strategies in stress-related growth (SRG) among suicide survivors, compared to bereavement following sudden and expected death types. One hundred forty-five bereaved individuals (aged 18-73) completed questionnaires measuring SRG, self-disclosure, and coping strategies. Significant interact…
Thinking for healing
Suicide-loss survivors are an at-risk population for complicated grief and suicide ideation. This study examined mentalization deficits as a possible moderator of the association between complicated grief and suicide ideation. Suicide-loss survivors ( N = 152) completed questionnaires on complicated grief, suicide ideation, and mentalization deficits. Mentalization deficits facilitated suicide ideation, beyond the contribution of complicated grie…
Forgive but not forget
Suicide-loss survivors often experience personal growth in the aftermath of a loss, depending on their personal and interpersonal characteristics. The current study focuses on the role of self-forgiveness (SF) as a contributing factor, both directly and indirectly, to posttraumatic growth (PTG) among suicide-loss survivors. Israeli suicide-loss survivors ( N = 124) completed questionnaires measuring SF and PTG as well as adaptive coping strategie…
What You Say and How You Say It
Self-disclosure (SD) in interpersonal interaction is essentially a verbal behavior. The present study focused on this behavior and examined how it is related to two other aspects of SD, namely, subjective SD and SD as judged by others (JSD). Participants were interviewed, and their recorded responses were presented to judges who rated their JSD levels. Analysis of speech content and speech fluency of participants’ responses significantly correlat…
To share or not to share? The contribution of self-disclosure to stress-related growth among suicide survivors
This study examined to what extent suicide survivors can experience growth in the aftermath of suicide loss, as well as the role of self-disclosure and coping strategies in stress-related growth (SRG) among suicide survivors, compared to bereavement following sudden and expected death types. One hundred forty-five bereaved individuals (aged 18-73) completed questionnaires measuring SRG, self-disclosure, and coping strategies. Significant interact…
Traumatization, Loneliness, and Suicidal Ideation among Former Prisoners of War
Although highly researched among veterans, the underlying mechanisms of suicidal ideation (SI) among former prisoners of war (ex-POWs), especially in the long-term, have rarely been investigated. Furthermore, while posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and loneliness have been individually associated with veteran SI, and both may be differentially implicated by captivity versus war traumas, the interplay between them has yet to be examined. Fillin…
Relationship with the deceased as facilitator of posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors
This study aimed to investigate the role of ongoing relationships with the deceased in facilitating posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors. The sample comprised 58 suicide-loss survivors, 48 sudden-death, and 53 natural-death bereaved individuals, who completed questionnaires assessing the two-track model of bereavement, grief, and growth-related characteristics. Suicide-loss survivors reported lower levels of positive relationships wi…
Serious Suicide Attempts
SSA is a distinguishable phenomenon that needs to be addressed specifically within the scope of suicidal behavior. Interpersonal problems, as well as impulsivity and aggression, seem to facilitate SSA when mental pain serves as a secondary factor. Healthcare professionals should be aware of SSA, and familiar with its specific risk factors. Moreover, psychological and suicidal risk assessment should include a designated evaluation of these risk fa…
The Association Between Moral Injury and Substance Use Among Israeli Combat Veterans
Effect of Relative Versus Absolute Quantitative Messages Regarding Suicide on the Perceived Severity of the Phenomenon
Presentation of epidemiological information about the absolute number of suicides has been used occasionally to increase awareness of the suicide phenomenon. This study investigated the effectiveness of absolute quantitative messages versus relative messages. An example of relative messages would be comparing the number of suicide deaths with the number of deaths by car accidents. Participants were randomly presented with absolute or relative mes…
Interpersonal theory dimensions facilitate posttraumatic growth among suicide-loss survivors
Many studies have highlighted the deleterious psychological impact of suicide on bereaved individuals. We examined the psychological processes facilitating posttraumatic growth (PTG) among 124 suicide-loss survivors, focusing on attachment styles, perceived burdensomeness, and thwarted belongingness. Securely attached individuals achieved higher PTG than insecurely attached individuals. Perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness both med…
With a little help from my friends
On the basis of these findings, it can be inferred that the interpersonal factors of belongingness, self-disclosure, and social support play important roles in facilitating PTG among suicide-loss survivors. Thus, basic psychoeducational interventions specifically designed to foster self-disclosure and acquire support can help suicide-loss survivors achieve PTG following their traumatic loss. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights rese…
Let’s Talk About It”
Suicide often imparts highly stressful ramifications to those left behind. Previous research on suicide survivors (SUSs) has demonstrated their being at high risk for developing anxiety and depression, including pathological complicated grief (CG). Self-disclosure (S-D)--the tendency to share one's personal feelings--has been found to be an important component of dealing with grief. In this study, we examined the effect of S-D on CG in an 18-mont…
Together we stand
The outbreak of COVID-19 has increased potential risks for depression and suicide among older adults. In this paper, we discuss the specific risk factors and current status of older adults in Israel in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Following that, we suggest establishing relevant and effective measures for suicide assessment, intervention, and prevention to avert experiences of loneliness, thwarted belongingness, and perceived burdensomeness and …
What predicts unremitting suicidal ideation? A prospective examination of the role of subjective age in suicidal ideation among ex-prisoners of war
A subset of ex-POWs are exposed to continuous suicidal risk throughout their later life, more than 40 years after the war. Furthermore, an older subjective age mediated these associations, independent of the levels of T1 SI, actual age, and self-rated health. These findings suggest debilitating long-term effects of trauma for SI in later life and their connections to advanced psychological aging. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights…
Emotional Distress Among Suicide Survivors
Grief after suicide entails unique challenges and difficulties, such as intense feelings of anger and guilt, as well as various psychological risks. The current study examined the contribution of self-forgiveness (SF) to emotional distress (e.g., depressed mood and suicidal ideation) among suicide-loss survivors, compared with bereavement following sudden and expected death types. Bereaved individuals ( N = 309; aged 18-84) completed questionnair…
Forgive but not forget
Suicide-loss survivors often experience personal growth in the aftermath of a loss, depending on their personal and interpersonal characteristics. The current study focuses on the role of self-forgiveness (SF) as a contributing factor, both directly and indirectly, to posttraumatic growth (PTG) among suicide-loss survivors. Israeli suicide-loss survivors ( N = 124) completed questionnaires measuring SF and PTG as well as adaptive coping strategie…
Who is really at risk? The contribution of death anxiety in suicide risk and loneliness among older adults during the Covid-19 pandemic
Isolation and quarantine imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the age-related risk for depression and suicide. However, not all older adults endure the same distress levels. We aimed to identify those at higher risk of depression, perceived loneliness, and suicide, comparing self-reports of depression, loneliness, suicide risk, and death anxiety among 277 participants in three age groups recruited through social media. Older adults repo…
Moral injury, depression, and anxiety symptoms among health and social care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic can affect health and social care workers' (HSCWs') mental health in their role as frontline workers in this crisis. The pandemic poses unique challenges to HSCWs as they face morally daunting decisions while working with limited knowledge and resources. This study primary objective was to examine the moderating role of thwarted belongingness in the relationships between HSCWs' exposure to potentially morally inj…
Moral injury, PTSD, and complex PTSD among Israeli health and social care workers during the Covid-19 pandemic
The study's findings offer a novel overview of the associations between patterns of exposure to PMIEs, MI, PTSD, and CPTSD. Clinicians treating HSCWs coping with COVID-19-related moral injury should be aware of the importance of high self-criticism in the possible posttraumatic sequelae of exposure to PMIEs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
How can they treat it if they can't identify it?”
The findings highlight that MHPs have minimal knowledge of MI, which may relate to their reluctance to treat patients with the psychological manifestations of MI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
Non-suicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents From Diverse Ethnocultural Groups in Israel
These results emphasize the need for routine NSSI assessments to prevent long-term sequelae, including any forms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and adult borderline personality disorder (BPD). Primary preventive programs that include adaptive coping skills may eliminate the social contagion effect of NSSI
Defining and Assessing the Syndrome of Moral Injury
Potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) entail acts of commission (e.g., cruelty, proscribed or prescribed violence) or omission (e.g., high stakes failure to protect others) and bearing witness (e.g., to grave inhumanity, to the gruesome aftermath of violence), or being the victim of others' acts of commission (e.g., high stakes trust violations) or omission (e.g., being the victim of grave individual or systemic failures to protect) that t…
Prolonged Grief Symptoms among Suicide-Loss Survivors
Guilt is an important contributor to PGS among SLSs, and perceived burdensomeness plays a critical role in moderating this contribution. In light of these findings, it can be suggested that SLSs with high levels of guilt should receive special attention and may benefit from therapeutic interventions focusing on reducing maladaptive cognitions that elicit intense guilt or perceived burden
Depression and Suicide Ideation among Suicide-Loss Survivors
Suicide is not only a tragic end of life but also may be the beginning of a very challenging life for those left behind. Suicide-loss survivors (SLSs) are individuals who were exposed to the suicide of a close family member or a friend and endure highly emotional distress. The psychological stance and reactions of SLS are deeply colored by painful, intense emotions that are expressed through different psychiatric symptoms, including depression an…
An Integrative Psychological Model of Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Behavior Among Israeli LGBT Individuals
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender individuals (LGBT) are at high risk for suicide. This study aimed to examine an integrative psychological model of risk factors among LGBT individuals and explore the psychological pathways connecting social stigma, mental pain, and interpersonal characteristics to suicidal ideation and behavior (SIB) in this population. LGBT adults ( N = 473) responded to an online questionnaire about stigma, mental pai…
Thinking for healing
Suicide-loss survivors are an at-risk population for complicated grief and suicide ideation. This study examined mentalization deficits as a possible moderator of the association between complicated grief and suicide ideation. Suicide-loss survivors ( N = 152) completed questionnaires on complicated grief, suicide ideation, and mentalization deficits. Mentalization deficits facilitated suicide ideation, beyond the contribution of complicated grie…
A prospective investigation of protective factors for moral injury and psychiatric symptomatology among Israeli combatants
BACKGROUND: In this prospective study, we examined pre-enlistment characteristics and pre-deployment protective factors of exposure to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs) among Israeli active-duty combatants, as well as psychiatric symptomatology outcomes of exposure. METHODS: A sample of 335 active-duty Israeli combatants participated in a 2.5-year prospective study with three waves of measurements (T1: 12 months before enlistment, T2: …
Psychology (33 obras) · Medicine (29 obras) · Psychiatry (29 obras) · Clinical Psychology (27 obras) · Clinical Psychology (22 obras) · Social Psychology (22 obras) · Poison control (21 obras) · Suicide prevention (21 obras) · Medical emergency (19 obras) · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies (18 obras)