Executive functions in Palestinian Children: Effects of chronic conflict and psychosocial factors

The present study investigated core executive functions (working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility) in Palestinian boys aged 9 to 11 living in two distinct conflict-affected contexts: the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Data from 123 children enrolled in UNRWA-administered schools were analyzed to explore how ongoing exposure to conflict-related trauma affects executive functioning. The participants completed adapted cognitive tasks (Stroop, spatial n-back, Wisconsin Card Sorting Task) and self-report measures of resilience, well-being, and traumatic event exposure. Robust MANOVA indicated significant differences between groups, with Gaza children displaying slower but more accurate working memory performance and fewer reported traumatic events compared to their West Bank counterparts, who responded faster but with lower accuracy and reported higher trauma exposure. Within-group analyses revealed nuanced associations; higher resilience and well-being were linked to improved executive function outcomes, particularly in Gaza, highlighting potential protective effects. Conversely, trauma exposure exhibited context-specific cognitive correlates, suggesting differential impacts depending on trauma characteristics. The findings underscore the complexity of trauma effects on executive functions and highlight the importance of resilience and well-being as potential buffers. This study emphasizes the necessity for tailored psychosocial and educational interventions to mitigate the cognitive impacts of chronic conflict exposure in children.