Adolescence under fire: a multi‐method study of psychological vulnerability and resilience among adolescents impacted by war

Background Given the long‐term negative impact of exposure to military conflict, identifying its immediate psychological effects is crucial to develop prevention and intervention approaches, especially in adolescents, a group particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. Methods We examined 198 war‐exposed Israeli adolescents ( M age = 16.35 years; 131 females, 65 males), 1–3 months into the Israel–Hamas war (2023), using a multi‐method approach combining mental health questionnaires with week‐long momentary sampling throughout the day and nightly diary measures. We focused on risk and protective factors affecting mental health. Results Most adolescents reported clinical levels of anxiety ( M SCARED‐c = 28.54, SD = 15.88) and trauma‐related symptoms ( M CPTCI = 46.78, SD = 15.61). Female gender, increased tiredness, and avoidant coping strategies constituted risk factors for lower psychological well‐being; in‐person social interaction and emotional and problem‐focused coping strategies represented resilience factors. Conclusions By providing comprehensive information on risk and protective factors, this study informs the development of targeted prevention and intervention approaches to support adolescent well‐being in times of extreme stress.