ISRAELI CHILDRENS RESPONSES TO THE STRESS OF THE GULF-WAR

This preliminary study attempted to examine responses of Israeli child ren to the Gulf War one year later. It involved 431 eighth and twelfth grade students from two areas of high risk that were bombarded by mis siles. The students were administered four self-report questionnaires related to their current (one year after the war) general concerns, cu rrent stress responses attributed to the war and State-Trait anxiety. No war-related symptoms were noted, except sensitivity to loud noises (reported by about 22 percent of the respondents). The results indicat ed a noted difference on the various measures as a function of gender, age and proximity. Theoretical and practical implications for communi ty-wide intervention approach are discussed.