Work

From Threat to Volunteering: Psychological Distress as a Mediating Mechanism During the Iron Swords War

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The Iron Swords War induced severe psychological distress in the Israeli population. This study examined the relationship between perceived threat, psychological distress, and the volunteering behavior of Israeli citizens at the start of the war. We hypothesized a positive correlation between perceived threat and volunteering, with psychological distress playing a mediating role. We found that higher perceived threat was associated with increased psychological distress, which predicted greater volunteering activity. These findings suggest that volunteering in wartime may serve as a coping mechanism for psychological distress stemming from perceived threat. The results contribute to understanding prosocial behavior in times of national crises.

Source: Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly

DOI: 10.1177/08997640261426881

Authors: Michal Alon-Tirosh, Kfir Asraf

Institution: The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College

Language: English

Topic: Nonprofit Sector and Volunteering

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650