Understanding the impact of military trauma on women in Israel: An exploratory study

Post-traumatic stress disorder among combat veterans is a common phenomenon. Given the increasing number of women serving as combat soldiers in Israel and being exposed to the pressures of war and military traumas, it is of great importance to address the unique characteristics of these women. This is even more crucial in the aftermath of the October 7th disaster and the subsequent ongoing war in which many female soldiers participated and were exposed to trauma. This research project accompanies the establishment of Arim Roshi, a nonprofit association, which is dedicated to supporting women veterans and security personnel who had experienced trauma during their service, many of whom suffer from PTSD. This study seeks to examine the needs of these women and identify appropriate interventions for them. The study consisted of a qualitative exploratory study involving three focus groups with a total of 15 women, all of whom had served in the military/security service and were diagnosed with PTSD. The data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Thematic analysis revealed three main themes: 1. Gender differences and stigmas in male‑dominated environments. 2. Military trauma effects on the female body and body image. 3. Needs of women coping with military trauma. Conclusions: Female soldiers with military trauma experience unique challenges, including gender bias, isolation, and impacts on motherhood/body image. Gender-sensitive support systems and a community of women are needed to improve recovery outcomes.