Being Well in the Shadow of War: The Case of Palestine

This study reviews 37 studies examining the well-being of Palestinian individuals, focusing on the effects of conflict and war on their physical, mental, and social health. Data from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science indicate that most research (78.94%) employed quantitative methods, primarily relational surveys. Adults (26.31%) and children (18.42%) were the primary focus groups, highlighting the significant impact of conflict on these populations. Well-being was frequently associated with variables like trauma (8.49%), gender (7.54%), and mental health (5.66%). Common issues included post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, all of which significantly impact overall quality of life. The limited use of qualitative and mixed methods highlights gaps in understanding the deeper, contextual aspects of well-being and its long-term consequences. Findings emphasize the importance of developing human rights-based health policies and enhancing social support systems to mitigate the negative effects of conflict. This review contributes to the literature by underlining the need for more comprehensive and integrative approaches to improve both individual and societal well-being in Palestine.