Post traumatic growth among mothers who experienced the 7/10/23 attack with their children

This study examined post-traumatic growth (PTG) among Jewish Israeli mothers who endured the 7 October 2023 attacks in Gaza-envelope communities while caring for children. Twenty mothers participated in in-depth interviews, analysed using Tedeschi and Calhoun’s PTG model. Five core growth domains emerged – changes in self-perception, relationships, appreciation of life, openness to possibilities, and spiritual/existential development – alongside two novel contributions: transformation of maternal identity and ‘dual consciousness’, balancing vulnerability with prioritising children’s protection. Findings highlight disrupted and reconstructed security, emotional costs alongside deepened bonds, and children’s resilience. This study expands PTG theory, emphasising role-specific, relational, existential growth, and calls for trauma-informed, family-centred interventions.