The Impact of Exposure to Terror on Mental Health: The Mediating Effects of Perceived Resource Loss
Traumatic events threaten the stability of an individual’s psychological, economic and social resources. The Conservation of Resources Theory suggests that the accessibility of psychosocial resources (e.g. social support and self-efficacy) affects posttraumatic adaptation. In contrast to pre-migration trauma, the impact of post-migration trauma has received little attention. Similarly, the potential mediating role of losses to psychosocial resources has been underexplored in immigrant communities. This study examined the impact of ongoing exposure to terror on depression, posttraumatic stress (PTS), and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among native-born and foreign-born Jewish migrants in Israel using a life course perspective. Perceived loss of psychosocial resources was examined as a mechanism that may influence adaptation differently for the two groups.
Method:
The current study utilizes data collected by phone at three waves, 6-months apart, between 2004-2005 during the Second Intifada in Israel. The survey includes a nationally representative sample of 1136 Jewish Israelis (484 foreign born and 652 native born). Latent growth curve modeling was used to examine changes in PTS, PTG, and depression over time following exposure to terror among foreign-born and native-born Jewish Israelis. Perceived loss of resources was included as a mediator in the model.
Results:
Higher levels of exposure to trauma were associated with increased perception of a loss of resources. Foreign-born Jews had higher perceived loss of psychosocial resources than native-born Jewish Israelis. Higher levels of trauma exposure significantly predicted the level of PTG, depression, and PTS at baseline. Similarly being foreign-born was associated with higher levels of PTG; with lower levels of PTS and depression at wave one as compared to native born Jews. Being foreign-born also influenced the trajectory of PTS and depression over time. In both groups, PTS decreased over time. For foreign-born Jewish Israelis, this decrease was slower. Alternatively, depression increased over time. For foreign-born, this increase was more rapid. Perceived loss of resources partially mediated the relationship between exposure and immigration status on the initial levels of PTS, PTG, and depression; as well as the change in depression over time in both groups.
Conclusion:
Results suggest that resource loss influences post-trauma adaptation for both native and foreign-born Jewish Israelis. Trauma exposure more strongly influenced negative mental health outcomes over time for immigrants compared to their native-born peers. Those who were foreign-born also experienced lower levels of PTG in the initial aftermath of traumatic events. Psychosocial resources emerged as a key mediator in initial PTS, PTG, and depression levels following exposure to terror among foreign-born migrants. Psychosocial resources continued to negatively impact the trajectory of depression overtime. These findings indicate a need for programs and policies that enhance access to psychosocial resources for immigrant populations, particularly in the wake of traumatic events. The implications of these results will be discussed within the context of life course development.