Preface to Volume I: Collective Trauma, Community Exposure, and War-Related Resources

This inaugural volume of the Special Issue investigates the psychological, social, and communal impacts of residing in conditions of war and political violence. It consolidates multidisciplinary research conducted during ongoing armed conflicts, emphasizing collective trauma, various degrees of direct and indirect exposure, and community-based resources that influence coping mechanisms and adaptation. The contributions encompass a broad spectrum of populations, including bereaved families, hostage families, frontline healthcare personnel, civilians, adolescents, and individuals exposed to war-related media content. Collectively, the studies demonstrate how shared fear, loss, uncertainty, and disrupted trust permeate communities, while also identifying protective factors such as social support, coping mechanisms, psychological resources, and collective resilience. By emphasizing community trauma and real-time research during crises, this volume advances theoretical, clinical, and policy-oriented understandings of societal responses to prolonged war-related adversity.