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Continuous Exposure to Terrorism during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model in the Israeli Context

Author

Listed:
  • Becky Leshem

    (Department of Education, Achva Academic College, Beer Tuvia, Arugot 7980400, Israel)

  • Gabriela Kashy-Rosenbaum

    (Department of Education, Ashkelon Academic College, Ashkelon 7810001, Israel)

  • Miriam Schiff

    (Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

  • Rami Benbenishty

    (Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel
    Department of Education, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 7591538, Chile)

  • Ruth Pat-Horenczyk

    (Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel)

Abstract

This study tested the role of perceived social support as a moderating factor in the mediation of COVID-19-related concerns in the association between continuous traumatic stress (CTS) and depression. The study participants were 499 college students who responded to an anonymous online questionnaire. Measures included the assessment of prior continuous exposure to threats of terrorism, COVID-19-related distress, perceived social support and depressive symptoms. The results demonstrated that COVID-19-related concerns mediated the relationship between continuous exposure to threats of terrorism and depression symptoms, and that perceived social support moderated the association between COVID-19-related concerns and depression. The implications of the study highlight the role of prior exposure to traumatic stress as a risk factor for depression and the role of social support as a protective factor. These results point to the need to develop accessible and non-stigmatic mental health services for populations exposed to other types of continuous traumatic stress.

Suggested Citation

  • Becky Leshem & Gabriela Kashy-Rosenbaum & Miriam Schiff & Rami Benbenishty & Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, 2023. "Continuous Exposure to Terrorism during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model in the Israeli Context," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-13, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:2799-:d:1058129
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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