Beyond Borders: How the Palestine-Israel Conflict Fuels Vicarious Trauma in Young Adults

Abstract

The rise of digital media has enabled widespread access to real-time coverage of global conflicts, but this exposure often comes with an emotional toll. This study investigates the experiences of vicarious trauma among individuals exposed to conflict-related content on social media, focusing on the Palestinian crisis. Through qualitative research using reflexive thematic analysis, this study explores how participants process their emotional responses and adopt coping mechanisms to navigate the psychological challenges associated with indirect trauma. Data were collected from semi-structured focus groups with young adults, revealing four key coping strategies: conscious avoidance, religious coping, social support, and resilience. Participants reported feelings of helplessness, guilt and sadness, but also demonstrated resourcefulness in managing these emotions. Religious beliefs, particularly faith in divine justice, emerged as a significant source of emotional strength, while social support through community discussions provided validation and comfort. Participants also exhibited resilience through reframing negatives into positives and consciously regulating their emotions to maintain engagement without emotional exhaustion. The findings contribute to psychological literature on vicarious trauma by highlighting the unique role of digital media in shaping emotional responses and coping behaviors. Practical implications include recommendations for trauma-informed mental health support and strategies for mitigating the psychological impact of social media use. This study underscores the importance of equipping individuals with tools to balance emotional well-being with moral and social engagement in a hyper-connected world.