New research: Resilient Moves: Sports as a Pathway to Psychological Recovery after Trauma

Resilience is a critical component of psychological capital, and physical activity has

been identified as an effective method for enhancing it. Participation in sports assists

individuals in coping with uncertainty, insecurity, and anxiety by providing distraction

from negative stimuli, improving mood, enhancing self-confidence, and facilitating

supportive social connections (Brunes, Augestad & Gudmundsdottir, 2015).

This study examines the relationship between amateur sports participation and

coping abilities among residents of the Gaza Envelope region as they adjust to

normative life following the traumatic events of October 7, 2023. The research

focuses specifically on individuals who engaged regularly in sports before the operation

and chose to maintain their sports activities during their rehabilitation.

On October 7, 2023, residents of Israel's western Negev region experienced a

devastating terrorist attack from Gaza, resulting in approximately 1,000 deaths,

thousands of injuries, and the kidnapping of 253 individuals. This attack disrupted

critical social and educational frameworks, forcing tens of thousands of residents into

evacuation centers nationwide. Evacuees often lacked adequate psychological and

social support, exacerbating their distress and uncertainty.

This research investigates sports activities as a tool for psychological recovery and

restoring routine among affected populations, including communities in Sderot,

Ofakim, Shaar HaNegev, Sdot Negev, and Eshkol. Beyond physical health benefits,

sports participation can facilitate psychological and social rehabilitation by enhancing

community belonging, individual self-confidence, and creating safe spaces for

rebuilding community identity.