Threat and challenge: Holocaust survivors, succeeding generations, and the coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

To examine the "sense of threat" and "sense of challenge" among Holocaust survivors and second-and third-generation cohorts during the first coronavirus lockdown in Israel. Background: Aging, especially among people who experienced trauma during their early years, as did Holocaust survivors, can be challenging when unusual circumstances, such as the coronavirus pandemic, coincide with it. Studies are inconclusive regarding the effect of transgenerational transmission of trauma of survivors to their offspring. Methods: 129 participants filled out a questionnaire based on Lazarus and Folkman's cognitive theory of psychological stress and coping. Data were collected through online questionnaires or phone interviews. Results: All generations reported "feeling this is a difficult situation." Compared with the second generation, survivors reported a significantly higher "sense of threat" and significantly lower "sense of challenge." Discussion: This study found that all generations felt some degree of vulnerability, although their response overall was resilient. Implications: Awareness of the harmful effects of stressful life events on the vulnerable Holocaust survivors and their descendants has prompted the need to establish support systems that can be activated to assist them. Future research should also investigate whether these reactions were prevalent among Holocaust survivors and their descendants in other countries.Author note: We express our sincerest gratitude to Sharon Kanon for her valuable insight, creative comments, commitment, and the time she has dedicated to help us throughout the process of this research project. We also acknowledge Dov Kanon for his encouragement related to the importance of this project for Holocaust survivors and their descendants and for being a role model of resilience for us during the COVID-19 pandemic.