The impact of war-induced relocation on sense of place: Examining its moderating role between event severity and psychological symptomatology

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between Sense of Place (SOP), stress event severity, and psychological distress among evacuees from northern Israel due to the 2023–2024 Iron Swords War between Israel and Hezbollah. The research aimed to explore how forced displacement, property loss, and newly formed social ties during relocation influence individuals’ sense of place and psychological well-being. Specifically, we asked whether current and retrospective SOP are associated with distress, and whether current SOP moderates the relationship between stress event severity and psychological symptoms. Using a self-administered questionnaire that included demographics, stressful events and losses due to the dislocation and the war, previous and current Sense of place measures, and psychological distress, data from 85 participants (65 females, 20 males) aged 24–78 were analyzed. Findings revealed a significant positive correlation between retrospective SOP and stress event severity, with damage to community relationships being a key predictor of psychological distress. However, current SOP moderated the impact of stress events on psychological symptoms, suggesting that a renewed sense of belonging can protect against distress at low stress events level. These results highlight the dynamic nature of place attachment in mental health resilience. The study underscores the need for interventions that foster social cohesion, financial stability, and housing security to support displaced populations.