The Contribution of Personal and Exposure Characteristics to the Adjustment of Adolescents Following War

This study examined the contributions of gender, prior trauma exposure, and traumatic event characteristics (proximity, level of exposure) to PTSD symptoms, distress, and life satisfaction in a large sample (n=2314) of northern Israeli 7th and 8th graders exposed to missile attacks in the 2006 Lebanon war. Fifteen percent reported moderate or severe PTSD symptoms 8-10 months after the war. Girls and those exposed to trauma prior to the war had more PTSD symptoms and distress and lower life satisfaction ratings.