Beyond Borders: How the Palestine-Israel Conflict Fuels Vicarious Trauma in Young Adults of Pakistan
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The rise of digital media has increased exposure to global conflicts, often leading to emotional distress. This study explores vicarious trauma among young adults exposed to conflict-related content on social media, focusing on the Israel-Palestinian crisis. Using reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured focus groups, the research identifies four key themes. Participants expressed feelings of helplessness, guilt, and sadness, yet demonstrated emotional resourcefulness. Faith in divine justice provided strength, while social support through communal discussions offered validation. Resilience was evident in refraining from distressing content and regulating emotions to stay engaged without burnout. These findings highlight how digital media shapes emotional responses and coping mechanisms, emphasizing the need for psychological tools to support well-being while maintaining moral engagement. This study contributes to the understanding of indirect trauma in the digital age, with implications for mental health support in increasingly connected societies.
DOI: 10.61363/3s55p021
Authors: Hajra Baig, Ayesha Nawal Farooq
Institution: Bahria University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7077056958