Adaptive coping during protracted political conflict, war and military blockade in Gaza

Abstract

Identifying culturally-relevant concepts and coping mechanisms can help protect civilian wellbeing. This study explores how seven professional Palestinian university graduates in the Gaza Strip (occupied Palestinian territories) cope with war, military occupation, military blockade and the challenges of living in a conflict-affected area. Participants were interviewed to determine whether culturally specific modes of coping were used. Thematic analysis was applied. The use of resistance and more specifically sumud,11 Sumud is a culturally valued construct within Palestinian society and refers to perseverance or steadfastness (Atallah, 2017 Atallah, D. G. (2017). A community-based qualitative study of intergenerational resilience with Palestinian refugee families facing structural violence and historical trauma. Transcultural Psychiatry, 54(3), 357–383. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363461517706287[Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). being steadfast and persevering, were identified alongside the motivation to persevere and other adaptive responses to living conditions. Coping strategies identified in this study include adapting, problem-solving, accepting reality, exercising patience, utilising social support, and faith in God (iman) and religion. The implications of this study and the relevance of the findings to mental health and disaster relief are considered.

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