Coping with stress among parents of combatants: The Swords of Iron War

This study explores how Israeli parents of combatants coped with stress during the Swords of Iron War and how their coping strategies related to their mental health. The sample included 187 Israeli parents (94 mothers and 93 fathers) of combatants serving in either compulsory service or reserve duty during the war. Data were collected in November 2024 via an online survey, ensuring geographic representation across Israel, during a period of intense combat on three fronts: south, north, and the West Bank. The findings indicated that as perceived stress increased, the tendency to rely on active coping strategies such as active distraction and seeking emotional support, as well as passive coping strategies, also increased. None of these strategies correlated with improved mental health. In contradistinction, positive reframing and engaging in spiritual practices were linked to better mental health outcomes. Substance use was found to mediate the relationship between stress and mental health. No significant gender differences emerged in the relationship between perceived stress and mental health. The findings suggest that commonly used coping strategies may not protect the mental health of combatants' parents. It is recommended to guide parents toward adaptive, resilience-promoting strategies.