Civic engagement during crisis: Does volunteering buffer the impact of trauma on worsening physical and mental health?

Introduction

Experiences of trauma impact mental and physical health; civic engagement, including volunteering, may alleviate trauma-related health consequences.

Research objective

Examine the association between war-related trauma and worsening health outcomes, and how volunteering may buffer the harmful health effects of trauma.

Methods

We administered a population-based survey of Israelis ages 18+, with a total sample of n = 1129. Trauma exposure was assessed since the war onset (October 7, 2023) and included direct (witnessed/experienced) and indirect (experienced by family/close friend) violent trauma, displacement (experienced), and seeking sheltering frequently from rocket attacks (experienced). Data on volunteering type and intensity was collected; health outcomes included self-reported worse physical health, mental health, sleep and initiating ≥3 negative health behaviors since October 7th.

Results

Multivariable results showed robust associations between indirect violent trauma, displacement and worsening health outcomes and some association between direct violent trauma and worse sleep and behaviors, after adjustment for co-occurring trauma exposure, sociodemographic factors, social wellbeing and volunteering. The association between displacement and worse mental health was limited to non-volunteers. We also found indication of health risk associated with engaging in ≥3 volunteering activities.

Conclusions

Results show physical and mental health effects of exposure to war-related trauma and suggest that volunteering may prevent worsening mental health but may contribute to worsening physical health. Research is needed to determine the longer-term effects of volunteering post-trauma. Focusing on a social intervention, civic engagement, to mitigate pathological processes related to traumatic stress may lead to innovative ways to promote wellbeing in times of crisis.