A recent study published in the International Journal on Child Maltreatment: Research, Policy and Practice highlights the critical role of parental emotional support in safeguarding children from anxiety and distress during wartime. Conducted by a team of researchers from various Israeli universities, the study reveals that even when parents suffer from trauma themselves, their emotional engagement can significantly bolster their children’s resilience.
The research, led by Dr. Mor Kleynikov and Prof. Dana Lassri from Hebrew University, along with contributions from Prof. Noga Cohen and Dr. Joy Benatov from the University of Haifa, and Prof. Reuma Gadassi-Polack from Bar-Ilan University and Yale University, was conducted approximately one month after the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack amid the ongoing Israel–Hamas conflict. The study involved 318 parents of children aged 5 to 18, with 76% of participants being women.
Researchers found that parents who foster open discussions about emotions, validate their children’s feelings, and offer solutions can mitigate the negative impacts of war on their children’s mental health. The study’s findings emphasize that parents do not need to be “perfect” to be effective; rather, their capability to listen and create a safe emotional environment is paramount.
Key findings from the study indicate that parental emotional support is a crucial protective factor. Even when parents experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), their ability to nurture their children’s emotional needs can help shield them from the adverse effects of conflict. The researchers noted, “The more parents encouraged open emotional dialogue and legitimized negative emotions, the more resilient their children were.”
This study offers an optimistic perspective, showing the potential for positive outcomes in parent-child relationships even under extreme stress. The researchers assert that practical tools can be provided to parents to help them support their children emotionally, thereby mitigating the psychological decline in future generations.
The emotional bond between parents and children can create a sanctuary that allows children to navigate the harsh realities of conflict. The study advocates for the implementation of trauma-informed parenting programs that can deliver evidence-based strategies to assist families living in conflict zones. These programs would incorporate adaptive interpersonal emotion regulation techniques, essential for providing ongoing emotional support and reducing the long-term impact of trauma on children.
The findings urge educational and therapeutic programs to adapt based on the research, integrating methods that enhance emotional regulation and resilience among families affected by war. By investing in these programs, societies can work towards safeguarding the mental health of children, not only during times of war but also in periods of sustained stress.
Additional information on the study can be found in the publication by Mor Kleynikov et al, titled Parental PTSD and Children’s Well-Being During Wartime: The Role of Interpersonal Emotion Regulation. This research underscores the vital importance of nurturing family relationships as a buffer against the psychological challenges posed by conflict.
