Citation

Afana AHJ, Tremblay J, Ghannam J, Ronsbo H, Veronese G. J. Health Psychol. 2018; ePub(ePub): 1359105318785697.

Affiliation

University of Milano-Bicocca, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359105318785697

PMID

29974813

Abstract

In this article, we propose that coping is not only an individual property but also a structural feature. Coping shapes what is referred to in social network theory as multiplex networks, which are based on relations with multiple functions, values and meanings. Focus groups with adult Palestinians were held and content analysed. Five main coping strategies were identified: (a) creating cultural and religious meaning; (b) individualism to collectivism; (c) normalization and habituation; (d) belonging, acceptance, expectation and readiness; and (e) social support. Participants also reported culture-specific expressions for indicating psychological distress. Implications for cultural informed clinical work are then discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

clinical health psychology; coping; culture; trauma; war and political violence