Qualitative Study of Resilience Among Parents of Combat Soldiers During Armed Conflict

INTRODUCTION: The recent conflict in Israel has increased the risk of distress and challenged resilience levels among the people in Israel including among parents of combat soldiers. Most researchers have focused on the impact of deployment on partners and children of soldiers. The purpose of the study was to gain insight into the perceived distress and resilience among parents of combat soldiers during armed conflict. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Qualitative data were analyzed from a larger mixed-methods study of parents of Israeli combat soldiers to understand the experiences and perceived distress and resilience during the recent Swords of Iron War. Narratives were coded and analyzed for themes and subthemes. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the interviews of 13 parents: communication and information with the child and the army; emotional impact related to fear, distress, stress management, and function; coping and resilience including activities, self-care, prayer, and repression; support networks; and impact on family demonstrated by changes in roles and relationships. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the distress and resilience experienced by parents of Israeli combat soldiers during the recent war, emphasizing the complex interplay between distress, coping mechanisms, support, and resilience. Parents of combat soldiers expressed their perceived distress, resilience, and conflicted feelings as they feared for their child's safety while supporting their mission, benefited from social support, and adopted coping strategies. They experienced changes in family dynamics and engaged in prosocial and meaningful activities that enhanced their coping. Findings can inform the resource development including mental health services and peer networks to support parents of combat soldiers in Israel to enhance their coping and self-regulation, thereby contributing to resilience across the family unit. Future research should examine the effectiveness of interventions aimed at building and strengthening the resilience among parents of combat soldiers.