Coping strategies during captivity: a qualitative study on released civilian abductees in Gaza

The trauma of captivity manifests in a wide range of psychological and physical symptoms. Not many studies have examined civilian captivity. The aim of the research is to understand the dynamics of individuals who were liberated from captivity, focusing on the coping mechanisms.

This qualitative research study examined the coping resources of civilian abductees through thematic analysis of the testimonies of 33 Israeli civilians aged 18-85 who were abducted in the Israel- Hamas war, 2023, based on testimonies published in Israeli online news media platforms. Most of the abductees were women (96.7%) who had been in captivity from 48 to 55 days.

The research reveals that they utilized personal coping strategies to endure the harsh conditions of their captivity, such as maintaining hope by thinking of their families, adhering to routines, engaging in physical activities, and using their imagination to assert control and distract themselves from their dire situation. Some actively avoided intense negative emotions to prevent mental breakdown amidst continuous trauma. They also utilized interpersonal coping strategies by forming strong interpersonal bonds, which played a crucial role in their resilience and coping and fostered a sense of belonging. The captives provided each other vital emotional support and shared their resources with children, thus enhancing group solidarity and survival strategies. Additionally, they cultivated reciprocal relationships with their captors as a strategy for mitigating the severity of their captivity. This research highlights the coping resources utilized by captives despite the challenging circumstances of their captivity.

This study revealed that abductees used both intrapersonal and interpersonal coping strategies to survive captivity. Intra-personally, they relied on routines, mental detachment, and hopeful visualization. Interpersonally, they formed supportive bonds with adults, often caring for children, and some built strategic relationships with captors to improve their conditions. These findings highlight the resilience and adaptability that emerge under extreme adversity.