Study Reveals High Stress Levels Among Israelis Post-October 7 Attack

A recent study conducted at Ashkelon Academic College and published in the European Journal of Investigative Health Psychology and Education sheds light on the mental health struggles faced by Israeli students in the aftermath of the October 7 terrorist attack and the ongoing conflict. The research, which took place in January and February 2024, surveyed 625 students and found that an overwhelming 81% of participants experience moderate to high levels of stress.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas War, characterized by missile attacks and constant threats, has created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety that severely impacts students' well-being. In particular, the study highlighted that warfare-related stressors, such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and concerns about personal and family safety, exacerbate existing stress levels already influenced by academic pressures.

Key findings from the study include:

- 63% of students reported moderate stress levels.

- 18% of students experienced high levels of stress.

- 52% of students spend 2-3 hours daily on social media.

- 42% live in conflict zones, where stress levels and sleep quality are notably worse.

- 46% reported poor sleep quality.

Several factors, such as female gender, parenthood, poor sleep quality, and high social media exposure, were identified as predictors of higher stress levels. These findings underscore the long-term impact of conflict on students' mental health, with the stress of living through warfare hindering both academic performance and overall quality of life.

The results stress the need for universities to implement targeted mental health support, including counseling services, stress management workshops, and academic accommodations. It also calls for increased efforts to address the psychological challenges posed by living in conflict zones.

In addition to the findings about student stress, the impact of the ongoing conflict is deeply personal for many Israelis. As the hostages, including Yarden Bibas, return home after the horrific violence of October 7, the pain and loss are felt across the country. Bibas, whose wife and children were tragically killed, poignantly chose to dedicate songs like "Roman Sky" by Avenged Sevenfold and "I Thank You Child" by Zakk Wylde to his lost family, which have soared to the top of Israel's Spotify charts.