Washington — The American Psychological Association is concerned about the widespread psychological harm to civilians from the continued hostilities and violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
APA remains disturbed by the crisis of human suffering and loss of life and liberty for thousands of civilians, including health professionals, children, elders, and people with disabilities. The association was heartened to see the release of Israelis, Palestinians, and other nationals, many of whom are children, and hopes that all those being held captive will soon be reunited with their families. APA also supports efforts to ensure that humanitarian services continue to be offered to care for the physical and emotional needs of all affected.
“This trauma must be addressed now to help individuals and communities heal and to prevent recurring violence,” said APA President Thema Bryant, PhD. “Moreover, efforts to support affected people must be informed by psychologists and other mental health experts who have studied the impacts of personal, intergenerational, and collective trauma. This includes those in the United States and elsewhere who are facing higher levels of antisemitism and anti-Arab hatred.”
APA notes that the effects of conflict vary according to individuals’ direct experiences of violence, as well as demographic and other factors such as displacement, oppression, poor welfare conditions, separation from caregivers, and scarce resources.
Based on APA’s science-informed policies on human rights (PDF, 152KB)opens in new window, the mental health of children, and the consequences of trauma, as well as its policies against racial, religious, and ethnic discrimination (PDF, 100KB)opens in new window, APA calls attention to the acute, chronic, and intergenerational consequences of the current collective trauma in the region, compounded by historical traumas. While psychological science demonstrates the importance of appropriate trauma recovery care in the aftermath of violence, there is an even greater need, which is the prevention of further trauma and violence.
“To interrupt cycles of trauma, there needs to be safety, compassion, and consistent steps toward building trust, dialogue, and equity,” Bryant said. “Violence does not lead to greater peace. Disrupting the mechanisms that lead to violence and conflict is the path for people to begin to reimagine ways to live and flourish together.”