The impact of the Syrian conflict on population well-being

Felix Cheung (), Amanda Kube, Louis Tay, Edward Diener, Joshua J. Jackson, Richard E. Lucas, Michael Y. Ni and Gabriel M. Leung
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Felix Cheung: University of Hong Kong
Amanda Kube: Washington University in St. Louis
Louis Tay: Purdue University
Edward Diener: University of Utah, University of Virginia
Joshua J. Jackson: Washington University in St. Louis
Richard E. Lucas: Michigan State University
Michael Y. Ni: University of Hong Kong
Gabriel M. Leung: University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract The United Nations described the Syrian conflict as the worst man-made disaster since World War II. We adopted a global perspective in examining the impact of the Syrian conflict on Syrians’ physical, mental, and social well-being using the Gallup World Poll. Face-to-face interview data of 11,452 Syrian participants from 2008 to 2015 show that Syrians’ physical (e.g., access to shelter), mental (e.g., life satisfaction), and social (e.g., social support) well-being decline substantially. Syrians who reported being exposed to the conflict are similarly affected compared to those without direct exposure, suggesting country-wide spillover effects. Global data covering 1.7 million participants across 163 countries from 2006 to 2016 show during the conflict, Syria’s precipitous decline in well-being is unparalleled in the world, even when compared to countries similarly experiencing war, protests, and disasters. Our findings reinforce the vital importance of an accelerated peace process to restore well-being in Syria.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17369-0

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