Post traumatic growth among mothers who experienced the 7/10/23 attack with their children

Bibliographic Data

ID8133018
AuthorsBilha Paryente (0000-0002-0351-0896, Achva Academic College, corresponding author), Maya Rokah Bercovitz (0009-0009-3074-1575, Achva Academic College)
Year2026
Pages1-25
Publication date2026-02-17
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueIsrael Affairs (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1353-7121 • E-ISSN: 1743-9086
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13537121.2026.2627413
OpenAlexW7129378338
LanguageEN
References cited49

This study examined post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Jewish Israeli mothers who endured the 7 October 2023 attacks in Gaza-envelope communities while caring for children. Twenty mothers participated in in-depth interviews, analysed using Tedeschi and Calhoun’s PTG model. Five core growth domains emerged – changes in self-perception, relationships, appreciation of life, openness to possibilities, and spiritual/existential development – alongside two novel contributions: transformation of maternal identity and ‘dual consciousness’, balancing vulnerability with prioritising children’s protection. Findings highlight disrupted and reconstructed security, emotional costs alongside deepened bonds, and children’s resilience. This study expands PTG theory, emphasising role-specific, relational, existential growth, and calls for trauma-informed, family-centred interventions.

Injury prevention · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Suicide prevention · Child Abuse and Trauma · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

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