A recent study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has highlighted the profound difficulties mothers of young children encounter in maintaining health-promoting activities (HPAs) following terrorist attacks. The research, published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, focuses on the aftermath of the October 2023 attacks and their impact on maternal well-being.
Conducted by researchers Shahar Zaguri-Vittenberg, Anat Golos, and Jennifer Budman from the university’s School of Occupational Therapy, the study surveyed 201 Israeli mothers with children up to 12 years old. Participants completed an online questionnaire within a month of the October 2023 terror incidents, providing data on their exposure to the disaster, engagement in HPAs, and levels of social support.
The findings indicate a notable decline in maternal participation in activities that support physical, emotional, and social well-being post-attack. There was a clear correlation between the degree of disaster exposure and perceived reductions in both the frequency and quality of participation in group activities.
The study underscores the vulnerabilities of mothers as primary carers during crises. The authors noted that disasters impose substantial physical and emotional burdens on mothers of young children, limiting their capacity for self-care. They emphasised the necessity for targeted interventions that prioritise maternal health and well-being while bolstering social support systems.
These insights carry significant implications for policymakers and health professionals. The researchers recommend the development of community-based support networks tailored to the unique challenges mothers face in post-disaster scenarios. Early intervention programmes aimed at enhancing maternal resilience and promoting HPAs are also advised. Additionally, allocating resources to ensure equitable access to mental health and social services for families in disaster-affected regions is deemed essential.
This research represents a crucial step towards understanding the impact of man-made disasters on maternal health and daily activity participation. As such events continue to rise globally, these insights are vital for fostering resilience and community well-being.
The findings highlight the importance of social support in mitigating the adverse effects of disaster exposure, offering valuable guidance for disaster response and community health planning.
Celebrating its centenary, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem stands as Israel’s premier institution of higher learning and research. Established in 1925, the university is committed to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity. It serves over 23,000 students from more than 80 countries and is home to Albert Einstein’s archives. The university contributes nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and holds over 11,000 patents. Its faculty and alumni have been honoured with eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal, continuing to shape the future through academic excellence.
American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit organisation based in the United States. Headquartered in New York, with seven regional offices, AFHU collaborates closely with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. For the past century, AFHU has supported scholarly and scientific achievements at the university, created scholarships, funded new facilities, and assisted in recruiting outstanding faculty.
