Psychological Distress and Its Relationship with Coping Strategies among Palestinians in Light of the War on Gaza

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and coping strategies among Palestinians in the Jenin Governorate in light of the war on Gaza. It sought to reveal differences in psychological distress and coping strategies based on gender and educational level. The study included 441 participants of both genders selected through convenient sampling. Using a quantitative descriptive approach.. The results of the study showed that the overall level of psychological distress among Palestinians was low.The results showed statistically significant gender-based differences in the level of psychological distress, favoring females. Additionally, there were statistically significant differences in educational level, favoring those with a general secondary education or lower. The study also indicated significant gender-based differences in coping strategies (religion, self-distraction, and tangible emotional support), while differences based on educational level favored those with a master's degree or higher in strategies such as using tangible support, positive reframing, planning, and ceasing competitive activities. The study further found a statistically significant positive relationship between overall psychological distress and coping strategies (self-distraction, denial, self-blame, and behavioral disengagement).