Resilience and Hope Among Yazidi Women Released From ISIS Enslavement

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the levels of resilience and hope among Yazidi women who survived captivity by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and to examine its relationship with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, 139 formerly enslaved Yazidi women were assessed. The mean scores of resilience and hope were below the suggested cutoff means (M = 2.47, SD = 0.48, R = 1-5) and (M = 31.6, SD = 11.7, R = 8-64), respectively. Sociodemographic variables were not related to resilience and hope, other than those women who stayed in captivity for more than a 3-year period who reported significantly lower levels of hope (M = 28.36, SD = 11.69). Formerly enslaved Yazidi women who display higher levels of PTSD, generalized anxiety, and depression exhibit significantly lower levels of resilience and hope. Resilience and hope are therefore important concepts to explore in traumatized populations.

Mental Health and Social Activity Participation During the Covid 19 Pandemic in Duhok City

“…Karim et al, found being female, of younger age, holding an academic degree and (contrary to the current study) being a college student were associated with more prominent degrees of anxiety 9. Taha et al, also reported type of employment as an important sociodemographic factor influencing knowledge, attitude and behaviors toward COVID-19 amongst the northern Iraqi population 15 . Participants in this study reported important and statistically significant increase in bad mood and feelings during the confinement period.…”