Randomized trial compares mental health impacts of displacement in adolescents, indicating significant distress associated with displacement.
Key Points
This study aims to compare the mental health outcomes of displaced and non-displaced adolescents during the ongoing conflict.
200 Israeli adolescents aged 14–18 were assessed 4–8 months after the war began.
Participants included an equal number of displaced and non-displaced individuals due to regional risk.
Mental health outcomes measured included emotional distress, emotion regulation difficulties, and intolerance of uncertainty.
Displaced adolescents exhibited greater emotional distress, with higher levels of stress and depression reported.
They faced more significant difficulties in emotion regulation and higher intolerance of uncertainty compared to non-displaced peers, which mediated their distress.
Findings suggest that internal displacement exacerbates emotional issues beyond direct war exposure.