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A new study sheds light on the profound challenges faced by mothers of young children in maintaining health-promoting activities (HPA) following man-made disasters, including terrorist attacks.
Conducted by researchers Shahar Zaguri-Vittenberg, Anat Golos, and Jennifer Budman from the School of Occupational Therapy at the Hebrew University, the study provides critical insights into the experiences of Israeli mothers in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks.
Published in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, the research reveals a significant decline in maternal participation in HPAs—activities that support physical, emotional, and social well-being—following the attacks. The findings emphasize the importance of social support in mitigating the negative impacts of disaster exposure, offering valuable guidance for disaster response and community health planning.
Key Findings
Decreased participation in health-promoting activities: Most surveyed mothers reported a decline in both frequency and perceived competence in engaging in HPAs post-disaster, with disaster exposure strongly correlating to these reductions.
Social support as a protective factor: The study found that social support played a crucial role in helping mothers maintain a sense of competence in their participation in HPAs, moderating the effects of disaster exposure.
Barriers and enablers: Through qualitative analysis, four key themes emerged:
- Consequences of Disaster Exposure: Emotional, cognitive, social, physical, and institutional factors that hinder participation.
- External Resources: Availability of social, community, and institutional support.
- Life-Role Overload: The competing demands of caregiving and other responsibilities.
- Adaptive Thinking: Strategies mothers used to cope and prioritize self-care, fostering self-compassion, acceptance, and gratitude.
Clinical and Policy Implications
The research underscores the vulnerabilities of mothers as primary caregivers during crises. “Disasters place enormous physical and emotional burdens on mothers of young children, limiting their ability to care for themselves,” the authors explained. “Our findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that prioritize maternal health and well-being while strengthening social support systems.”
These findings have significant implications for policymakers and health professionals, urging them to:
- Develop community-based support networks that address the unique challenges mothers face post-disaster.
- Implement early intervention programs aimed at enhancing maternal resilience and promoting HPAs.
- Allocate resources to ensure equitable access to mental health and social services for families in disaster-affected areas.
This study marks an essential step toward understanding how man-made disasters impact maternal health and participation in daily activities. As disasters continue to rise globally, these insights are critical for fostering resilience and community well-being.
The research involved 201 Israeli mothers of children aged 0–12, who completed an online survey within a month of the October 2023 terror attacks. The survey captured data on disaster exposure, maternal participation in HPAs, and social support, as well as qualitative insights into factors enabling or hindering participation.
Disclaimer
The findings of this study are based on self-reported data from a specific population and may not be generalizable to all groups or contexts. The research does not aim to provide medical advice but rather to inform policy and intervention strategies. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals or mental health experts for individual concerns related to disaster recovery and well-being.
