Victims of the Intifada: The Psychosocial Adjustment of the Injured

Abstract

This empirical study assessed the psychosocial adjustment of the Palestinians who sustained serious bodily injuries during the intifada. Research dealt with the personal and interpersonal forces that impede or facilitate adjustment, with the mediating effect of social support and with the special services provided by local institutions. Findings suggested that a lapse of time did not improve adjustment. The level of education and marital status had an apparent effect on adjustment. An individual's adjustment correlated positively with situational variables, whereas it was negatively affected by trauma-related variables. Implications for future research, coping strategies, and rehabilitation plans are discussed.

Index Terms:

• coping strategies
• injury
• Palestinians
• psychosocial adjustment
• situational variables
• trauma