Finding Strength in Times of War: A Systematic Review of Resilience and Adaptation Among Arabs Exposed to War

Rudy S. Younes, Clara Moukarzel, Chantale D. Ibrahim and Mirna Abboud Mzawak ()
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Rudy S. Younes: IDEES Multidisciplinary Research Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Mount Lebanon, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Clara Moukarzel: IDEES Multidisciplinary Research Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Mount Lebanon, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Chantale D. Ibrahim: IDEES Multidisciplinary Research Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Mount Lebanon, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Mirna Abboud Mzawak: IDEES Multidisciplinary Research Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Mount Lebanon, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-26

Abstract: Across the world, war and armed conflict continue to disrupt lives and have a profound impact on individuals. This is particularly evident in Arab countries, many of which have experienced repeated conflicts in recent decades. In these contexts, resilience and psychological adaptation are essential for maintaining well-being, yet social and cultural factors significantly shape how resilience manifests. Despite growing recognition of resilience’s importance, limited synthesis exists regarding the cultural and psychosocial factors that promote adaptation in Arab populations during wartime. This systematic integrative review provides a comprehensive overview of empirical findings on resilience, adaptation, and their associated factors during times of war in Arab countries. A screening was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Content and thematic analysis of 52 selected studies revealed five key themes: demographic factors, community resilience, personal resilience and growth, coping strategies, and religion and spirituality. The review highlights the effect of factors like religiosity, social support, and active coping strategies, among others, in promoting resilience and adaptation among Arab people exposed to war. The findings also suggest the value of leveraging existing cultural strengths, including strong social networks, communal practices, and religious beliefs, in interventions designed to promote resilience and adaptation during times of conflict.

Keywords: resilience; community resilience; trauma; armed conflict; Arab culture; religiosity; social support; coping (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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