The invisible wounded: traumatic stress symptoms in grandmothers during the early phase of war

Aging Ment Health. 2026 Jul 3:1-12. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2696020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Despite their central role in families, grandmothers have received limited attention to research, both during routine and traumatic times. This study examined factors contributing to posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among grandmothers in Israel shortly after the 7 October 2023, terror attacks and the early phase of the Israel-Hamas war.

METHODS: Grandmothers (n = 575; aged 40-75, M = 60.4, SD = 5.31) with grandchildren aged 1-10, completed online questionnaires during the 4 months following these events. Measures included background characteristics, psychosocial resources (self-compassion, tolerance of uncertainty, and perceived social support), perceptions of grandmothering role, trauma-related concerns (about physical harm to self and grandchildren, avoidance of public places), and PTSS.

RESULTS: Higher intolerance of uncertainty (IU), concern about physical harm, and avoidance of public spaces were significantly associated with higher PTSS. In contrast, higher self-compassion and perceived social support were linked to lower PTSS. Perceptions of grandmothering role – particularly the cognitive and behavioral dimensions – were associated with PTSS, suggesting that grandmothers’ roles are important in explaining traumatic symptoms.

DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the importance of enhancing personal resources, such as social support and self-compassion, while addressing risk factors such as IU. Recognizing grandmothers’ unique role during ongoing traumatic situations may guide interventions promoting resilience in midlife and older adults.

PMID:42398084 | DOI:10.1080/13607863.2026.2696020