Resilience under protracted conflict and siege: a new paradigm shift

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Resilience is crucial for individuals facing prolonged adversity.
• Understanding resilience in the Palestinian context, particularly in Gaza, is vital due to ongoing challenges.
• The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale's applicability in this unique setting requires examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between perceived resilience and individual, contextual, and psychosocial factors in Gaza.
• To assess the generalizability of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale within the Palestinian population under siege.
• To identify predictors of resilience, considering gender-specific differences.

Main Methods:

• The study employed gender-specific bivariate analyses and multivariate linear regression.
• The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was administered to adults in the Gaza Strip.
• Data were analyzed to identify links between resilience and various psychosocial and contextual factors.

Main Results:

• Males reported higher resilience than females.
• Key predictors of resilience included being male, employed, higher income, living in a peaceful area, higher life satisfaction, and Sumud (Palestinian resilience concept).
• Hardiness predicted resilience in the overall sample and males; post-secondary education predicted resilience in the overall sample and females.

Conclusions:

• Psychosocial factors can synergistically enhance resilience amidst adversity, low socioeconomic status, and fear.
• Findings highlight the importance of contextual and psychosocial influences on gender differences in resilience.
• The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive approaches to understanding and measuring resilience.