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Updated: May 28, 2026
06:42
Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses
Published on: September 28, 2018
Managing terror: differences between Jews and Arabs in Israel
Eli Somer1, Shira Maguen, Keren Or-Chen
1University of Haifa and Maytal - Israel Institute for Treatment and Study of Stress, Haifa, Israel. somer@research.haifa.ac.il
Summary
Terrorism exposure was similar for Jewish and Arab Israelis, but Arab Israelis reported more PTSD and depression symptoms, suggesting a need for targeted mental health outreach to minority groups and women.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Terrorism significantly impacts mental health, with varying effects across different ethnic and demographic groups.
- Understanding the differential impact of terrorism exposure, coping mechanisms, and mental health outcomes is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Previous research has not fully explored the comparative experiences of Jewish and Arab Israelis in the context of terrorism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare exposure to terror, coping strategies, and mental health responses between Jewish-Israelis and Arab-Israelis.
- To identify demographic, ethnic, and religious predictors of coping styles and mental health outcomes following terrorism.
- To inform outreach efforts for at-risk minority populations and women.
Main Methods:
- Telephone surveys were conducted with randomly selected Jewish-Israelis (n=100) and Arab-Israelis (n=100) in five Israeli cities.
- Data collection occurred in May 2002, following a period of intense terror attacks and hostilities.
- Statistical analyses examined exposure rates, coping strategies, mental health symptoms (PTSD, depression), and predictor variables.
Main Results:
- Exposure rates to terrorism were similar between Jewish and Arab Israelis.
- Arab-Israelis utilized a broader range of coping strategies but reported higher rates of PTSD and depression symptoms.
- Predictors of coping included ethnicity, gender, religiosity, and education; predictors of mental health symptoms included ethnicity, gender, and specific coping styles.
Conclusions:
- Arab-Israelis face unique challenges, potentially due to disparities in societal support and socioeconomic factors, contributing to poorer mental health outcomes post-terrorism.
- Women appear to be a particularly vulnerable group requiring specific attention in mental health outreach following traumatic events.
- Findings underscore the necessity of culturally sensitive and targeted mental health services for minority populations and women affected by terrorism.
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