View in EDS HTML Full Text PDF Full Text

"You Never Know How Strong You Are Until Being Strong is Your Only Choice": Adolescents in a Continuous Stressful War Situation.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: "You Never Know How Strong You Are Until Being Strong is Your Only Choice": Adolescents in a Continuous Stressful War Situation.
Authors: Scharf, Miri (AUTHOR), Maya, Shira (AUTHOR), Melamed, Bilha (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Loss & Trauma. Mar/Apr2026, Vol. 31 Issue 3/4, p728-751. 24p.
Subjects: Psychological resilience, Emotion regulation, Community support, Volunteer service, Research funding, Qualitative research, Autonomy (Psychology), Optimism, Exercise, Interviewing, Leadership, Affinity groups, War, Posttraumatic growth, Psychological adaptation, Confidence, Self-control, Anxiety, Problem solving, Descriptive statistics, Emotional trauma, Thematic analysis, Creative ability, Charity, Relocation, Psychological stress, Social skills, Research methodology, Food habits, Guilt (Psychology), Phenomenology, Courage, Social support, Individual development, Sleep quality, Interpersonal relations, Cognition, Self-perception, Activities of daily living, Physical activity, Psychosocial factors, Adolescence
Geographic Terms: Israel
Abstract: The study examines the experiences of adolescents during the prolonged stressful Iron Swords war, and focuses on resilience, post‑traumatic growth and uncovering hidden talents ‑ adaptive behaviors in contexts of prolonged adversity. Previous studies primarily focused on vulnerability. Adolescence is characterized by cognitive and emotional plasticity. We examine how adolescents navigate trauma, not only surviving, but actively transforming their challenges into opportunities for growth and self‑discovery. Semi‑structured interviews were conducted with 26 adolescents aged 12–17, from war‑affected areas. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to capture the nuanced experiences expressed in their narratives. Adolescents facing prolonged trauma reported emotional vulnerability, while also demonstrating remarkable adaptability and growth, self‑confidence, emotional maturity, and discovering 'hidden talents'. They have become more attuned to the needs of their surroundings, and found ways to help where needed. They expressed pride in their ability to cope, improvements in their self‑esteem, greater courage, self‑discipline, self‑ capitalization and growing autonomy. Thus, adversity became a mirror accentuating their inner potential, revealing strengths they might have otherwise not noticed. Structured routines, meaningful activities, and social and community support also play crucial roles in fostering resilience and mitigating chronic stress. Acknowledging their strengths and supporting their resilience is essential for fostering long‑term recovery and continuous development. Targeting and adapting interventions considering adolescents' needs, preferences and barriers, as well as their wisdom, will increase ability adolescents' ability to utilize their inner and support resources, and to nurture their capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Loss & Trauma is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Full text is not displayed to guests.
FullText Links:
  – Type: pdflink
Text:
  Availability: 1
Header DbId: pbh
DbLabel: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
An: 193490088
AccessLevel: 6
PubType: Academic Journal
PubTypeId: academicJournal
PreciseRelevancyScore: 0
IllustrationInfo
Items – Name: Title
  Label: Title
  Group: Ti
  Data: "You Never Know How Strong You Are Until Being Strong is Your Only Choice": Adolescents in a Continuous Stressful War Situation.
– Name: Author
  Label: Authors
  Group: Au
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Scharf%2C+Miri%22">Scharf, Miri</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Maya%2C+Shira%22">Maya, Shira</searchLink> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Melamed%2C+Bilha%22">Melamed, Bilha</searchLink> (AUTHOR)
– Name: TitleSource
  Label: Source
  Group: Src
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Journal+of+Loss+%26+Trauma%22">Journal of Loss & Trauma</searchLink>. Mar/Apr2026, Vol. 31 Issue 3/4, p728-751. 24p.
– Name: Subject
  Label: Subjects
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+resilience%22">Psychological resilience</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Emotion+regulation%22">Emotion regulation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Community+support%22">Community support</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Volunteer+service%22">Volunteer service</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+funding%22">Research funding</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Qualitative+research%22">Qualitative research</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Autonomy+%28Psychology%29%22">Autonomy (Psychology)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Optimism%22">Optimism</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Exercise%22">Exercise</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interviewing%22">Interviewing</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Leadership%22">Leadership</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Affinity+groups%22">Affinity groups</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22War%22">War</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Posttraumatic+growth%22">Posttraumatic growth</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+adaptation%22">Psychological adaptation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Confidence%22">Confidence</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Self-control%22">Self-control</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Anxiety%22">Anxiety</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Problem+solving%22">Problem solving</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Descriptive+statistics%22">Descriptive statistics</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Emotional+trauma%22">Emotional trauma</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Thematic+analysis%22">Thematic analysis</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Creative+ability%22">Creative ability</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Charity%22">Charity</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Relocation%22">Relocation</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+stress%22">Psychological stress</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+skills%22">Social skills</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Research+methodology%22">Research methodology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Food+habits%22">Food habits</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Guilt+%28Psychology%29%22">Guilt (Psychology)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Phenomenology%22">Phenomenology</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Courage%22">Courage</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Social+support%22">Social support</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Individual+development%22">Individual development</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Sleep+quality%22">Sleep quality</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Interpersonal+relations%22">Interpersonal relations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Cognition%22">Cognition</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Self-perception%22">Self-perception</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Activities+of+daily+living%22">Activities of daily living</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Physical+activity%22">Physical activity</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychosocial+factors%22">Psychosocial factors</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Adolescence%22">Adolescence</searchLink>
– Name: SubjectGeographic
  Label: Geographic Terms
  Group: Su
  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Israel%22">Israel</searchLink>
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
  Group: Ab
  Data: The study examines the experiences of adolescents during the prolonged stressful Iron Swords war, and focuses on resilience, post‑traumatic growth and uncovering hidden talents ‑ adaptive behaviors in contexts of prolonged adversity. Previous studies primarily focused on vulnerability. Adolescence is characterized by cognitive and emotional plasticity. We examine how adolescents navigate trauma, not only surviving, but actively transforming their challenges into opportunities for growth and self‑discovery. Semi‑structured interviews were conducted with 26 adolescents aged 12–17, from war‑affected areas. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to capture the nuanced experiences expressed in their narratives. Adolescents facing prolonged trauma reported emotional vulnerability, while also demonstrating remarkable adaptability and growth, self‑confidence, emotional maturity, and discovering 'hidden talents'. They have become more attuned to the needs of their surroundings, and found ways to help where needed. They expressed pride in their ability to cope, improvements in their self‑esteem, greater courage, self‑discipline, self‑ capitalization and growing autonomy. Thus, adversity became a mirror accentuating their inner potential, revealing strengths they might have otherwise not noticed. Structured routines, meaningful activities, and social and community support also play crucial roles in fostering resilience and mitigating chronic stress. Acknowledging their strengths and supporting their resilience is essential for fostering long‑term recovery and continuous development. Targeting and adapting interventions considering adolescents' needs, preferences and barriers, as well as their wisdom, will increase ability adolescents' ability to utilize their inner and support resources, and to nurture their capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
  Label:
  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of Journal of Loss & Trauma is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
PLink https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=pbh&AN=193490088
RecordInfo BibRecord:
  BibEntity:
    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1080/15325024.2025.2524060
    Languages:
      – Code: eng
        Text: English
    PhysicalDescription:
      Pagination:
        PageCount: 24
        StartPage: 728
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Psychological resilience
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Emotion regulation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Community support
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Volunteer service
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Research funding
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Qualitative research
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Autonomy (Psychology)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Optimism
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Exercise
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Interviewing
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Leadership
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Affinity groups
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: War
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Posttraumatic growth
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Psychological adaptation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Confidence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Self-control
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Anxiety
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Problem solving
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Descriptive statistics
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Emotional trauma
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Thematic analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Creative ability
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Charity
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Relocation
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Psychological stress
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social skills
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Research methodology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Food habits
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Guilt (Psychology)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Phenomenology
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Courage
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Social support
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Individual development
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Sleep quality
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Interpersonal relations
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Cognition
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Self-perception
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Activities of daily living
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Physical activity
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Psychosocial factors
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Adolescence
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Israel
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: "You Never Know How Strong You Are Until Being Strong is Your Only Choice": Adolescents in a Continuous Stressful War Situation.
        Type: main
  BibRelationships:
    HasContributorRelationships:
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Scharf, Miri
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Maya, Shira
      – PersonEntity:
          Name:
            NameFull: Melamed, Bilha
    IsPartOfRelationships:
      – BibEntity:
          Dates:
            – D: 01
              M: 03
              Text: Mar/Apr2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
          Identifiers:
            – Type: issn-print
              Value: 15325024
          Numbering:
            – Type: volume
              Value: 31
            – Type: issue
              Value: 3/4
          Titles:
            – TitleFull: Journal of Loss & Trauma
              Type: main
ResultId 1