Psychological-Distress Trajectories and Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder Symptoms Following Continuous Trauma: Empathy, Positive Emotions, and World Beliefs After the October 7th Attack

Using a large, representative sample ( N = 1,035), this study examined trajectories of psychological distress during the first 6 months following the October 7th terrorist attack. Four adjustment patterns were identified: resilience (54.5%), recovery (29.1%), chronic distress (13.9%), and delayed onset (2.5%). Trajectory membership significantly predicted posttraumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD) symptoms beyond final distress levels, highlighting the value of a longitudinal perspective. Key predictors of more adaptive trajectories included demographic factors (e.g., male gender, older age), level of exposure to the events of the war, world beliefs (e.g., perceiving the world as safe), and early positive emotions. Empathic distress and empathic concern were associated with distress levels, elevated PTSD symptoms, and more severe trajectories, although empathic concern also related to social support and volunteering. Social support and wartime volunteering were not associated with distress or trajectory membership. Findings highlight the value of ecological and longitudinal approaches to understanding adaptation during continuous mass trauma.