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This study investigates how exposure to political violence affects post-traumatic stress symptoms in Palestinian adolescents, while considering individual and socio-environmental influences.

July 23, 2026Open Access

Exposure to Political Violence and Post-Traumatic Stress Among Palestinian Youth: The Role of Individual and Socio-Environmental Factors

CGCharles W. GreenbaumHebrew University of Jerusalem MHMuhammad M. Haj‐YahiaHebrew University of Jerusalem SSShireen SokarCenter for Innovation

Key Points

This study investigates how exposure to political violence affects post-traumatic stress symptoms in Palestinian adolescents, while considering individual and socio-environmental influences.
Cross-sectional survey conducted among 2,721 Palestinian adolescents aged 12–19 and one parent.
Self-report questionnaires were used for data collection from October 2010 to January 2011.
Analysis evaluated the impact of gender, family support, and social capital on PTSS.
Higher levels of exposure to political violence were linked to greater post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Girls showed more severe PTSS despite boys experiencing higher exposure; older boys reported more exposure while older girls reported less.
Family social support was negatively associated with PTSS, with no moderating effects found for peer support or perceived social capital.

Abstract

Abstract The present study examined the relationship between Palestinian adolescents’ exposure to political violence (EPV) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), as well as the potential moderating effects of individual and socio-environmental factors on this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2,721 Palestinian adolescents aged 12–19 ( M = 16.01, SD = 0.94; 58% girls) and one of their parents, using self-report questionnaires. Data collection was conducted between October 2010 and January 2011. Results indicated that higher levels of EPV were significantly associated with greater PTSS. Although boys reported higher exposure to political violence than girls, girls exhibited more severe PTSS. Older adolescent boys reported higher levels of exposure than younger boys, whereas older adolescent girls reported lower levels of exposure than younger girls. Gender (being male) moderates the impact of exposure to political violence on PTSS, in particular in late adolescence (17–19 years). Family social support, but not peer support or perceived social capital, was negatively associated with PTSS. No moderating effects were found for social support or perceived social capital. These findings underscore the importance of prevention efforts aimed at reducing adolescents’ exposure to political violence and enhancing their protection. Furthermore, they emphasize the need for targeted interventions that strengthen family support systems for adolescents at heightened risk, particularly girls and older male youth.

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