Shared trauma: Examining the moderating role of parental psychological flexibility and self-compassion on PTSD and distress in refugee families

Background

Russia's 2022 assault on Ukraine caused widespread destruction and displacement, affecting families. War and displacement heighten the risk of mental health issues, particularly when both parents and children are exposed to trauma. Resilience factors such as parental self-compassion and psychological flexibility might play a crucial role in moderating the symptoms.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the mental health issues among parent-child refugees and assess their association with parental self-compassion and psychological flexibility.

Method

50 parent-child refugees who arrived in Israel after fleeing the war in Ukraine participated in the study. Parents completed self-report questionnaires assessing mental health issues and resilience factors regarding them and their children.

Results

56% of parents and 2% of children met the PTSD cutoff, while 56% of parents and 50% of children met the criteria for general psychological distress. Associations were found between children's PTSD, general distress, and those of their parents. High levels of parental psychological flexibility, self-kindness, and common humanity eliminated the association between parent and child symptoms. While in low and medium levels of these factors, children's PTSD and distress were linked to their parents.

Conclusions

Refugee parents and children mutually influence each other's mental health difficulties. Parental psychological flexibility and self-compassion may moderate these dynamics, offering potential assistance in managing and alleviating children's symptoms. Targeting these parental resilience factors in treatment can enhance outcomes, improving the overall mental well-being of both children and parents.