Adaptive coping during protracted political conflict, war and military blockade in Gaza

Abstract

Identifying culturally-relevant concepts and coping mechanisms can help protect civilian wellbeing. This study explores how seven professional Palestinian university graduates in the Gaza Strip (occupied Palestinian territories) cope with war, military occupation, military blockade and the challenges of living in a conflict-affected area. Participants were interviewed to determine whether culturally specific modes of coping were used. Thematic analysis was applied. The use of resistance and more specifically sumud,¹ being steadfast and persevering, were identified alongside the motivation to persevere and other adaptive responses to living conditions. Coping strategies identified in this study include adapting, problem-solving, accepting reality, exercising patience, utilising social support, and faith in God (iman) and religion. The implications of this study and the relevance of the findings to mental health and disaster relief are considered.

Keywords:

• Coping
• culture
• Gaza
• occupied Palestinian territories
• political conflict
• sumud

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Manal Awwad from Gaza for her help with many aspects of this study. She has asked us to make clear that the manuscript reflects our research and does not necessarily reflect her view.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Sumud is a culturally valued construct within Palestinian society and refers to perseverance or steadfastness (Atallah, 2017).

2 In this context, martyr refers to a person believed to be in heaven, e.g. a civilian who has died in war/conflict.